Our history
"Money should never be the goal, only the means."
Karl Wilhelm Bruun, founder of the K.W. Bruun Group, developed a fascination with cars at an early age. Trained as a blacksmith, he began trading cars in 1914 and secured his first import agreement in 1925. What started as a small business grew into one of the Nordic region’s largest automotive importers. Over the course of 110 years, K.W. Bruun introduced 31 automotive brands from Europe, the United States and Asia to the Danish market.
K.W. Bruun built his company on a foundation of entrepreneurship, integrity and respect for the people around him – values that continue to define the family foundation-owned group today. These principles are carried forward by Chair of the Board and fourth-generation family member, Maria Bruun-Lander, with a clear vision for the future.
Classic Car House – Part of K.W. Bruun & Co
In 2024, K.W. Bruun sold its automotive import division, but the passion for cars remains as strong as ever. At Classic Car House, that passion lives on in our 25,000 m² experience centre, where the design, history and cultural heritage of the automobile are brought to life through a collection of more than 300 classic cars – from beloved everyday icons to rare and extraordinary models.
1914-1929 – The First Car Deals
During the First World War, K.W. completed his first car deals by purchasing laid-up vehicles from estates and farms before reselling them. In 1925, he secured his first import agencies for Fiat and Morris and founded Skandinavisk Automobil og Transport A/S.
1930-1951 – British Motors and Oslo Plads
In 1930, K.W. founded British Motors, and the following year secured the import rights for brands including Hillman, Humber and Sunbeam through the Rootes Group. In 1932, he opened a showroom at Oslo Plads, next to Østerport Station, where customers could experience and test-drive new cars. During the German occupation, he hid 150 cars in barns and with friends while transforming the showroom into an art gallery. He emerged from the war without having to lay off a single employee – something that meant a great deal to him.
1952-1966 – A New International Direction
In 1952, K.W. Bruun expanded its portfolio with Peugeot, and British Motors changed its name to Interdan A/S. The company grew rapidly, representing 12 automotive brands. In 1966, all operations were brought together at a new 65,000 m² headquarters in Kvistgård, housing administration, spare parts, vehicle preparation and distribution.
1967-1995 – New Automotive Brands from Asia
When Chrysler acquired Rootes in 1967, it marked the end of an important chapter in K.W. Bruun’s British import history. The following year, the company secured the import rights for Datsun, later Nissan, and in 1970 the agreement was expanded to Sweden. The portfolio continued to grow with Japanese and South Korean automotive brands.
1996-2020 – The Beginning of K.W. Bruun Logistics
In 1996, K.W. Bruun began distributing Peugeot spare parts in Denmark, laying the foundation for a modern logistics business supplying more than 600 dealers and workshops across Denmark and Sweden. From 1998, Peugeot imports expanded to Sweden and later Iceland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, while new brands including Citroën, DS and Opel were added to the portfolio.
Franz Eilertsen, Jørgen Bruun and K.W. Bruun in the company of Peugeot 504
K.W. Bruun & Co today
2021-2023 – From Interdan to K.W. Bruun & Co
In 2021, Interdan returned to the name K.W. Bruun & Co, reflecting the Group’s ambitious development. In just seven years, the company had grown from one to four divisions, doubled its workforce and reached a turnover of DKK 11.1 billion.
The expansion continued in 2022 with the addition of Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Jeep and Fiat Professional to the Danish import portfolio. The following year, Hongqi and Voyah became the first Chinese automotive brands to join the portfolio.
2024 – A New Chapter
In 2024, K.W. Bruun sold its automotive import division as part of a strategic transformation, bringing more than 110 years of importing and distributing cars and spare parts to a close.
Today, K.W. Bruun & Co focuses on its core business areas: Classic Car House, K.W. Bruun Collection (investment in classic cars) and K.W. Bruun Invest (investment in financial assets and prime residential rental properties).
The passion for cars lives on at Classic Car House, where more than a century of automotive history and heritage continues to inspire visitors.
Visit the K.W. Bruun Group Website here.
Maria Bruun-Lander is 4th generation and Chairman of the Board of K.W. Bruun & Co.
