Husqvarna
Husqvarna is a Swedish manufacturer of power lawn equipment, sewing machines and formerly motorcycles (affectionately known as "Huskys"). The company is best known for its chainsaws and "smart" (computerized) sewing machines and sergers. Founded in 1689 to produce muskets for the Swedish military, the company is now part of conglomerate Electrolux, but retains a logo based on a cross section through a gun barrel and sight. The Husqvarna motorcycle division was sold to Italian motorcycle manufacturer Cagiva in 1987.
The name is a spelling variant of the company's hometown, Huskvarna. There is a small company museum in the city, situated next to the oldest production facilities.
Toward the end of World War II, the company started thinking about making a small, simple, inexpensive car. A team consisting of Bengt Magnusson (head of R&D), Stig Tham (engineer), Calle Heimdal (engine designer) and Birger Johansson. The design came to look somewhat like the Saab 92, but with three wheels (two front, one back), and a strange split rear window. According to some sources the simmilarities with the Saab 92 may have something to do with that Sixten Sason worked as designer at Husquarna. A prototype was built in 1943, powered by a 20 hp two cylinder 500 cc DKW bike engine with chain drive to the rear wheel. The wheels came from a Fiat 500. The project was cancelled in 1944, and the prototype was scrapped in the end of the 1950s.