Industrija Motornih Vozil
Corporate brand
UnclaimedIndustrija Motornih Vozil was a Yugoslav automobile manufacturer that evolved from DKW assembly into a producer of commercial vehicles and a major licensed assembler for Austin and Renault.
Last updated August 31, 2026
AI crawler reads
No AI crawler has read this profile yet.
Overview
Industrija Motornih Vozil, commonly abbreviated as IMV, was an automobile and commercial-vehicle manufacturer based in Novo Mesto, in present-day Slovenia. Established in 1954 in the former Yugoslavia, the company initially operated under the Moto Montana name and focused on selling and assembling DKW Schnellaster vans. Its early business was therefore rooted in imported technology and licensed production rather than in a fully independent vehicle platform. The company adopted the IMV name in 1959 and expanded its relationship with DKW. In 1962 it began assembling DKW passenger cars, while the commercial-vehicle business developed into one of the company’s defining activities. IMV subsequently designed and built its own van, initially retaining DKW mechanical components. The vehicle was offered in several practical configurations, including van, minibus and pickup forms, and in different wheelbase or axle arrangements. A limited number were exported to Austria under the Donau 1000 name. After DKW ceased to be a viable source of engines and components, IMV adapted its product strategy. Its connection with British Motor Corporation led to the use of BMC engines in IMV commercial vehicles and to a new licensed-assembly agreement. Between 1967 and 1972, the company assembled several Austin models, including the Austin 1300, Mini 1000 and Austin Maxi in 1500 and 1750 versions. These programs gave IMV experience in passenger-car manufacturing and connected its Novo Mesto operations to broader European automotive supply chains. Parts-supply difficulties eventually limited the Austin arrangement. In 1972 IMV reached an agreement with Renault and began assembling the Renault 4. The Renault relationship became more important than the earlier Austin program and ultimately transformed the industrial structure of the company. Renault and IMV formed a formal joint venture in 1988, and Renault took control of the passenger-car manufacturing division under the Revoz name around 1989. Revoz later became wholly owned by Renault in 2004, ending IMV’s role as the independent automotive organization associated with the plant. IMV also had a significant recreational-vehicle business. It began producing Adria caravans in 1965 and developed a motor-home division in the early 1980s. That activity was separated into an independent business in 1995 as Adria Mobil following Renault’s increased involvement in IMV and the restructuring of the Novo Mesto manufacturing operations. IMV’s importance lies less in global consumer recognition than in its role in the industrialization of vehicle production in Yugoslavia and Slovenia. It combined licensed assembly, local commercial-vehicle development and supplier relationships with foreign manufacturers. Its history also illustrates how a regional manufacturer could transition from DKW-based production to Austin and then Renault programs, while related caravan operations developed into a separate Slovenian recreational-vehicle company.
History
Industrija Motornih Vozil was created in 1954 in Novo Mesto, then part of Yugoslavia, at a time when the country was building domestic industrial capacity and seeking access to established European vehicle technology. The enterprise first traded and assembled DKW Schnellaster vans under the Moto Montana name. This beginning gave IMV an early specialization in light commercial vehicles and established the manufacturing base from which its later automotive activities developed. In 1959 the company became known as Industrija Motornih Vozil, or IMV. It expanded its DKW relationship in 1962 by beginning assembly of DKW passenger cars. At the same time, the commercial-vehicle operation moved beyond straightforward assembly. IMV developed a van of its own, initially using DKW engines and related technology. The van was adapted for several uses and body styles, including standard vans, minibuses and pickups. It was made in regular and longer forms, with the longer version using a dual rear axle. Some vehicles were exported to Austria under the Donau 1000 designation. The end of DKW’s role as a continuing source of components required IMV to change its engineering and sourcing arrangements. Through a connection with British Motor Corporation, the company adopted BMC powertrains for later commercial vehicles, including the IMV 1600. The same relationship supported a passenger-car assembly program. From 1967 to 1972, IMV assembled Austin models under license, notably the Austin 1300, the Mini 1000 and the Austin Maxi in 1500 and 1750 forms. These products broadened IMV’s manufacturing scope, but difficulties obtaining Austin parts contributed to the conclusion of that arrangement. A decisive shift occurred in 1972, when IMV entered into an agreement with Renault and began assembling the Renault 4. Renault offered a more durable long-term industrial relationship than the preceding arrangements, and Renault production increasingly shaped the future of the Novo Mesto plant. The cooperation was formalized through a joint venture in 1988. Around 1989, Renault assumed complete ownership of IMV’s car-manufacturing division, which was reorganized as Revoz. The former IMV passenger-car operation therefore became part of Renault’s manufacturing network rather than continuing as an independent IMV automobile business. Renault ultimately became the sole owner of Revoz in 2004. IMV’s activities were not limited to road vehicles. The company began producing Adria caravans in 1965, creating a recreational-vehicle line that became an important part of its industrial legacy. In the early 1980s, IMV expanded into motor homes. This recreational-vehicle activity was later separated from the automotive manufacturing structure. In 1995 it became Adria Mobil, an independent company, following Renault’s increased participation in IMV and the reorganization of the Novo Mesto operations. The IMV story consequently has several overlapping phases: DKW-based assembly, independent commercial-vehicle development, Austin licensed passenger-car production, Renault assembly and the eventual separation of the Adria recreational-vehicle business. The company’s direct identity disappeared through the transfer of its car-manufacturing operations to Revoz, but its industrial legacy continued through Renault’s Novo Mesto production site and Adria Mobil. IMV is therefore best understood as a historically important regional manufacturer and manufacturing platform rather than as an active standalone automotive brand.
- 2004
Revoz becomes wholly Renault-owned
[1]Renault became the sole owner of Revoz, completing the transition of the former IMV car-manufacturing operation into Renault’s corporate structure.
- 1995
Adria Mobil separated
[1]The caravan and motor-home activities were spun out as the separate company Adria Mobil.
- 1989
Renault assumes control of the car division
[1]Renault took complete ownership of IMV’s car-manufacturing division, which operated under the Revoz name.
- 1988
Revoz joint venture formed
[1]IMV and Renault established a formal joint venture that led to the reorganization of the Novo Mesto car-manufacturing operation as Revoz.
- 1980
Motor-home activity developed
[1]IMV developed a motor-home division in the early 1980s as an extension of its Adria recreational-vehicle business.
- 1977
IMV 2200D introduced
[1]IMV launched the 2200D commercial vehicle, powered by a Mercedes-Benz diesel engine.
- 1972
Renault assembly agreement
[1]After problems obtaining Austin parts, IMV signed an agreement with Renault and began assembling the Renault 4.
- 1967
Austin licensed assembly begins
[1]IMV started assembling Austin passenger cars under license, including the Austin 1300, Mini 1000 and Austin Maxi variants.
- 1965
Adria caravan production begins
[1]IMV began producing Adria caravans, establishing a recreational-vehicle activity that later became Adria Mobil.
- 1962
DKW passenger-car assembly begins
[1]IMV expanded its DKW relationship by beginning assembly of DKW cars.
Products and positioning
A Yugoslav industrial vehicle manufacturer combining locally developed commercial vehicles with licensed assembly of foreign passenger-car and van designs. IMV was positioned around practical transport vehicles, manufacturing capability and technology partnerships rather than a globally marketed consumer marque.
Commercial vehicle
IMV van
IMV’s own commercial van evolved from the company’s earlier DKW assembly work. Early versions retained DKW engines, while later vehicles used other powertrains. The van was offered in practical configurations including a standard van, minibus and pickup, with regular and extended forms. A small number were exported to Austria under the Donau 1000 name.
Commercial van
IMV 1000
The IMV 1000 was a compact version of the company’s commercial-vehicle range. It used DKW’s 981 cc two-stroke engine, rated at 39 bhp. The model represented IMV’s early transition from assembling DKW vehicles to manufacturing a locally produced van based on related technology.
Commercial van
IMV 1600
The IMV 1600 was a larger commercial vehicle powered by a BMC 1,622 cc engine producing approximately 56 bhp. Its development reflected IMV’s post-DKW sourcing relationship with British Motor Corporation and the company’s effort to maintain a locally manufactured commercial-vehicle range.
Diesel commercial van · 1977
IMV 2200D
Introduced in 1977, the IMV 2200D was a diesel-powered member of the IMV van family. It used a 2,197 cc Mercedes-Benz engine rated at approximately 60 bhp, giving the range a heavier-duty diesel option for commercial applications.
Passenger cars · 1967
Austin licensed-assembly range
Between 1967 and 1972, IMV assembled Austin vehicles under license. The program included the Austin 1300, Mini 1000 and Austin Maxi in 1500 and 1750 forms. It expanded IMV’s passenger-car manufacturing experience but was affected by difficulties obtaining parts.
Passenger car · 1972
Renault 4
The Renault 4 became IMV’s principal licensed passenger-car program after the company’s 1972 agreement with Renault. Its assembly marked the beginning of the Renault relationship that eventually led to the creation of Revoz and the transfer of the Novo Mesto car operation into Renault ownership.
Caravan · 1965
Adria caravans
IMV began producing Adria caravans in 1965. The recreational-vehicle operation developed alongside the automotive business and later expanded into motor homes before being separated as Adria Mobil in 1995.
Brand decisions
1995
Separation of the recreational-vehicle businessStrategyBackground
IMV’s caravan and motor-home activities had developed into a distinct business alongside the Renault-centered car operation.
Action taken
The recreational-vehicle business was spun out as Adria Mobil.
Aftermath
Adria Mobil continued as a separate company, while the former IMV car-manufacturing operation remained associated with Renault through Revoz.
1988
Formation of the IMV–Renault joint ventureM&ABackground
Renault had become IMV’s key passenger-car manufacturing partner after the Renault 4 assembly agreement.
Action taken
IMV and Renault formed a formal joint venture for the Novo Mesto car-manufacturing activities under the Revoz name.
Aftermath
Renault took complete ownership of the IMV car-manufacturing division around 1989 and ultimately owned Revoz outright from 2004.
1972
Shift from Austin to Renault assemblyStrategyBackground
IMV’s Austin licensed-assembly program was affected by problems obtaining parts, creating a need for a more sustainable manufacturing partnership.
Action taken
The company signed an agreement with Renault and began assembling the Renault 4.
Aftermath
The Renault relationship became the central path for IMV’s passenger-car manufacturing and ultimately led to the creation and expansion of Revoz.
Recent events
Sources2 sources
Cite this profile: Cite the canonical profile. /brand-wiki/industrija-motornih-vozil · Editorial policy · How profiles are compiled