Johann Puch

Johann Puch was a Slovene inventor and mechanic who became the founder of the Austrian Puch automobile plants, one of the most significant vehicle producers in Europe. He was born to Slovene peasants and showed an early interest in mechanics. Puch moved to Graz to pursue his passion, eventually founding his own company which produced bicycles, motorcycles, and automobiles. His innovations and vehicles gained widespread acclaim, and he obtained patents for more than 35 inventions. Puch retired in 1912 but remained honorary president of his company until his death in 1914.