German motorcycle manufacturer from Nuremberg, best known for its distinctive Weiße Mars motorcycles.
Last updated November 4, 2026
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Overview
Mars was a German motorcycle manufacturer based in Nuremberg. The company was founded in 1873 and produced motorcycles during several separate periods between 1903 and 1958. Its history was interrupted by major political and economic disruptions, including the First World War, the severe inflation of the 1920s, and the Second World War. Mars is chiefly remembered for the Weiße Mars, or White Mars, series, a group of technically distinctive motorcycles designed by Claus Franzenburg. The most notable White Mars machines included the A 20, A 23, MA 25, MA 27, and MA 1000 Sport. The A 20 and related models used an unusual box-section frame extending from the steering head toward the rear wheel. This structure enclosed the transmission and drive chain, while the engine was positioned in a lower subframe. Franzenburg designed the flat-twin engine used in the series, and the unit was manufactured for Mars by Maybach, which was also an aircraft-engine builder. The cylinders were arranged in line with the motorcycle frame, and the engine used a hand-crank starting system and an enclosed primary drive to the transmission. The A 20 was produced from 1920 to 1925 and used a trailing-link front fork. The later MA 1000 Sport appeared in 1928 with a girder fork and an engine lubrication system using recirculating oil. Although the motorcycles acquired the nickname White Mars, examples were also available in colors including red and green. Their enclosed mechanical layout and unconventional frame made them visually and technically distinctive among early twentieth-century motorcycles. Mars's production history did not proceed continuously. Manufacturing was suspended or disrupted during wartime and economic crises, then resumed at different points. The company ultimately ended motorcycle production in 1958. Production of its 50 cc Monza Super Sport was subsequently taken over by Gritzner-Kayser AG, which marketed the model under the Gritzner brand. Mars is therefore best understood as a historic German motorcycle marque rather than the American food company that shares the same name.
History
Mars was established in Nuremberg in 1873 and later became associated with motorcycle manufacturing. The company produced motorcycles in multiple periods from 1903 through 1958 rather than maintaining uninterrupted production throughout that span. Its manufacturing activity was affected by the First World War, the economic turmoil and hyperinflation of the 1920s, and the Second World War. These events disrupted industrial production and contributed to the intermittent character of the marque's history. Mars's best-known motorcycles were the Weiße Mars models, commonly translated as White Mars. The series was designed by Claus Franzenburg and included the A 20, A 23, MA 25, MA 27, and MA 1000 Sport. The A 20 and its derivatives employed a box-section frame that ran from the headstock toward the rear wheel. Rather than leaving the transmission and drive chain exposed in the conventional manner, the frame enclosed these components. The engine was mounted in a separate lower subframe, producing a highly distinctive mechanical arrangement. Franzenburg also designed the flat-twin engine used in the principal White Mars models. Maybach manufactured the engine for Mars. The cylinders were positioned in line with the frame, and the engine incorporated a hand-crank starting mechanism and an enclosed primary drive to the transmission. The A 20 used a trailing-link front fork and was manufactured from 1920 to 1925. The MA 1000 Sport, produced in 1928, adopted a girder fork and a recirculating lubrication system. The White Mars name referred to the marque and model family rather than establishing a single fixed paint color. Although examples were known in white, motorcycles were also offered in red and green. The combination of an enclosed frame, unusual engine placement, and specialized drivetrain design made the motorcycles notable in the history of early motorcycle engineering and design. Mars continued to produce motorcycles after the earlier White Mars period, including the 50 cc Monza Super Sport. Motorcycle production finally ended in 1958. Afterward, Gritzner-Kayser AG took over production of the Monza Super Sport and sold it under the Gritzner name. The Mars brand therefore occupies a place in German motorcycle history primarily through its inventive interwar designs and its role as a manufacturer that operated through several interrupted phases before its final closure.
- 1958
Mars motorcycle production ends
[1]Mars ceased motorcycle production for the final time. Production of the 50 cc Monza Super Sport was later taken over by Gritzner-Kayser AG under the Gritzner brand.
- 1928
MA 1000 Sport introduced
[1]The MA 1000 Sport was produced with a girder fork and a recirculating engine lubrication system.
- 1925
A 20 production ends
[1]Production of the A 20 concluded after a manufacturing run beginning in 1920.
- 1920
A 20 enters production
[1]The Weiße Mars A 20 entered production with its distinctive box-section frame, enclosed drivetrain, lower engine subframe, and trailing-link front fork.
- 1903
Motorcycle production begins
[1]Mars began producing motorcycles during the first documented period of its motorcycle activity.
- 1873
Company founded in Nuremberg
[1]Mars was established in Nuremberg, Germany.
Products and positioning
An innovative German motorcycle marque associated with unusual frame architecture, enclosed drivetrain components, and technically distinctive early twentieth-century designs.
Motorcycle · 1920
Weiße Mars A 20
The A 20 was Mars's best-known early motorcycle and the foundation of the White Mars family. Designed by Claus Franzenburg, it used a box-section frame that connected the headstock with the rear-wheel area and enclosed the transmission and drive chain. Its flat-twin engine sat in a lower subframe, used a hand-crank starter, and had an enclosed primary drive. The model was built from 1920 to 1925 and used a trailing-link front fork.
Motorcycle
Weiße Mars A 23
The A 23 was one of the derivatives within Mars's White Mars series. It belonged to the same family of unconventional motorcycles associated with Franzenburg's enclosed box-section frame concept and specialized flat-twin powertrain. Available source material identifies the model as part of the principal White Mars range but does not provide a complete production specification.
Motorcycle
Weiße Mars MA 25
The MA 25 formed part of the White Mars model series. It represented a development of Mars's distinctive motorcycle architecture, characterized by an enclosed frame and drivetrain layout. The available references identify the model within the series but do not establish a full set of technical specifications or a precise production date.
Motorcycle
Weiße Mars MA 27
The MA 27 was another member of Mars's notable White Mars family. Like the other models in the group, it is associated with the marque's unusual structural design and engineering approach. The supplied references do not provide sufficient detail to describe its exact engine, chassis, or production run.
Motorcycle · 1928
MA 1000 Sport
The MA 1000 Sport was a later White Mars model produced in 1928. It retained the series' distinctive design identity while using a girder front fork rather than the trailing-link arrangement associated with the A 20. Its engine featured a recirculating lubrication system. The model is among the most frequently cited examples of Mars's technically unusual motorcycle engineering.
50 cc motorcycle
Monza Super Sport
The Monza Super Sport was a small-displacement Mars motorcycle produced toward the end of the company's manufacturing history. It had a 50 cc engine and remained in production until Mars's final cessation of motorcycle manufacturing in 1958. Gritzner-Kayser AG subsequently took over its production and marketed it under the Gritzner brand.
Controversies
2026
Food and beverage companies filed 239 legal challenges against public health labeling policies (2010-2025)
An investigation by Lighthouse Reports found that food and beverage companies, including Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Mars, filed 239 legal challenges from 2010 through 2025 to block or delay public health policies, particularly labeling requirements for ultraprocessed foods and sugary drinks. Cases were cataloged in the United States, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Britain, and India, with a third of the lawsuits coming from just nine parent companies.
2020
Earth Island Institute sues companies over plastic packaging pollution in California
Earth Island Institute filed a lawsuit in a California court against Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Nestle USA, Procter & Gamble and other companies, seeking unspecified damages and an order requiring them to clean up plastic waste. The group alleges that plastic packaging from the companies is fouling California waters and says their products contributed to a global pollution crisis; these are allegations in the lawsuit, not a court determination.
Recent events
- Unconfirmed
Reported
Mars launches shoppable Instagram channel[7]
Mars launched a shoppable Instagram channel that lets consumers browse and purchase products directly from its content.
- Unconfirmed
Reported
Food and beverage companies filed 239 legal challenges against public health labeling policies (2010-2025)[5]
An investigation by Lighthouse Reports found that food and beverage giants including Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Mars filed 239 legal challenges from 2010 through 2025 to block or delay public health policies, particularly labeling requirements for ultraprocessed foods and sugary drinks. Cases were cataloged in the United States, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Britain, and India, with a third of the lawsuits coming from just nine parent companies.
Reported
EXCEL Gum launches 'Chew Good' marketing platform in Canada[8]
EXCEL Gum, Mars Canada's gum brand, launched the 'Chew Good' platform, a cheeky, vibe-forward campaign centered on taking a break with a simple chew, supported by fresh visuals, social content, immersive pop-ups, national media buys and creator-led content, following a refreshed package brand identity and the brand's 35th anniversary.
Reported
SNICKERS and WWE 2K22 named presenting partners of WrestleMania 38[9]
Mars, Take-Two Interactive and WWE announced a partnership naming SNICKERS and WWE 2K22 presenting partners of WrestleMania 38. The agreement includes each brand presenting one evening's main event and promotional activations across WWE media and channels.
Reported
Mars Protocol announces MARS governance token and lockdrop[10]
Mars Protocol announced that it would launch its MARS governance token and a lockdrop. The lockdrop plan would let users temporarily lock UST during a 14-day window in exchange for MARS rewards; the article says the token's specific launch date had not been announced.
Mars announces MilkyWay Biscuits[11]
Mars Chocolate Drinks and Treats announced MilkyWay Biscuits, vanilla-flavoured biscuits dipped in chocolate. The article said they would be available at B&M from September 1, 2021, and at ASDA in a couple of weeks.
Reported
Mars and Microsoft expand digital transformation partnership[12]
Mars and Microsoft announced an expanded technology partnership covering digital infrastructure and intelligent manufacturing supply chains across Mars businesses.
- Unconfirmed
Esko and Mars implement packaging management solution[13]
Esko partnered with Mars to implement Esko’s WebCenter packaging management solution across Mars’s international supplier network. Mars said it had implemented WebCenter and described benefits including dashboards and KPI tracking.
Reported
Mars launches #HereToBeHeard campaign[14]
Mars, Incorporated launched the global #HereToBeHeard crowdsourcing campaign to gather women’s views on what needs to change for more women to reach their full potential. The company said responses would inform actions to address the gender opportunity gap.
- Unconfirmed
Reported
Mars acquires KIND North America[15]
Mars acquired KIND North America, which it said would operate as a distinct and separate business within the Mars family of companies.
Sources19 sources
- 1Mars (motorcycle)en.wikipedia.org
- 2Mars A 20 — Auto & Technik Museum Sinsheimsinsheim.technik-museum.de
- 3Mars motorcycle by Claus Franzenbergdesignboom.com
- 4The White Mars motorcyclebikeexif.com
- 5Food and beverage companies filed 239 legal challenges against public health labeling policies (2010-2025)yahoo.com
- 6Earth Island Institute sues companies over plastic packaging pollution in Californialatimes.com
- 7Mars推出可购物Instagram频道confectionerynews.com
- 8EXCEL口香糖在加拿大推出“Chew Good”营销平台newswire.ca
- 9SNICKERS与WWE 2K22成为摔角狂热38的冠名合作伙伴prowrestling.net
- 10Mars Protocol宣布推出MARS治理代币及锁仓空投news.cnyes.com
- 11Mars宣布推出MilkyWay饼干foodbev.com
- 12Mars与微软扩大数字化转型合作automationworld.com
- 13Esko与Mars实施包装管理解决方案printingnews.com
- 14玛氏推出#HereToBeHeard活动business-review.eu
- 15Mars收购KIND北美业务foodnavigator.com
- 16Mars称其棕榈油供应链已实现零毁林foodnavigator.com
- 17Mars宣布与National Urban League建立合作关系malaymail.com
- 18Mars任命Arman Sutbayev为罗马尼亚市场总监business-review.eu
- 19SEEDS OF CHANGE与Big Green合作开展Plant a Seed Day 2020prweb.com
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