The Legacy of Nextzett: From Tradition to Innovation
1936: The Spark of Innovation
In the bustling city of Cologne, Germany, Werner Sauer Sr. embarked on a journey that would revolutionize car care. Dissatisfied with the quality of car polishes available at the time, he believed that a superior product could be created—one that set a new standard for excellence. With determination, he founded einszett (German for "1z"), named after Cologne's license plate designation, “1z,” a symbol of the city's pride.
The vision behind einszett was simple yet ambitious: to combine meticulous German craftsmanship with cutting-edge formulas, delivering products that exceeded expectations. The cars of the era gleamed brighter, thanks to Werner Sauer Sr.’s relentless dedication to quality and innovation.
Post-War Innovation: A Turning Point for German Craftsmanship
After World War II, Cologne, like much of Germany, lay in ruins. With natural resources scarce, German industries embraced innovation, leading to the development of polymers—a revolutionary material that proved more durable and versatile than traditional carnauba wax. Einszett was quick to recognize the potential of this technology, incorporating polymers into its formulations to deliver exceptional durability and protection.
Products like the iconic einszett Glanz Wax showcased this innovation, offering unmatched longevity and a deep, glossy finish. Today, the legacy of polymer innovation continues in products such as nextzett SF3 Premium Protect, Perfect Shine, and Pearl Seal, ensuring that the pioneering spirit of einszett lives on in every bottle.
1990s: Passing the Torch
As the decades passed, einszett grew into a trusted name, synonymous with premium car care. Werner Sauer Sr.’s passion and legacy were carried forward by his son, Werner Sauer Jr., who took the reins of the company in the 1990s. Under his stewardship, einszett continued to thrive, staying true to its roots while embracing the evolving needs of car enthusiasts and professionals worldwide.
2000: Bringing German Excellence to North America
The new millennium marked an exciting chapter for einszett as its exceptional products made their way to North America. Through a distribution agreement with MIMAN, einszett found a new home under the banner of einszett North America, delighting a growing customer base with its superior car care solutions.
2011: Celebrating 75 Years of Excellence
In 2011, einszett celebrated its 75th anniversary, marking over seven decades of unwavering commitment to car care innovation. From its humble beginnings in Cologne to becoming a globally recognized brand, einszett's journey was a testament to its dedication to quality and innovation. The milestone served as a proud moment for the Sauer family and the loyal customers who made it possible.
2015: Rising from the Ashes – The Birth of Nextzett
In 2015, tragedy struck as a fire engulfed the einszett factory, temporarily halting operations. While the devastation was immense, the safety of the team remained a top priority. Remarkably, there was only one non-life-threatening injury, a testament to the company’s commitment to workplace safety even in the face of adversity.
However, rather than signaling an end, it became a turning point. Long-standing members of the company seized the opportunity to reimagine the brand for a new era.
Thus, Nextzett was born—a name that symbolizes a forward-thinking vision (“next z”), carrying the essence of einszett into a sustainable future. With a focus on water-based formulations and environmentally conscious practices, Nextzett embraced its iconic blue arrow and green leaf logo, representing innovation and eco-consciousness.
2025: Celebrating 10 Years of Nextzett and 25 Years in the U.S.
As we mark 2025, Nextzett proudly celebrates 10 years of innovation since its founding in 2015 and 25 years of serving car care enthusiasts in the U.S. market. Since the early days of einszett’s arrival in 2000, the brand has been a trusted partner for those seeking premium car care solutions. Over the past quarter-century, our commitment to quality and German innovation has remained at the heart of everything we do.
Today: Continuing the Journey
Nextzett USA continues to honor the rich legacy of its founders while leading the way in sustainable car care solutions. From Cologne’s cobblestone streets to garages across the globe, Nextzett products embody a commitment to excellence, innovation, and care for the environment.
We invite you to take your car care routine to the next level with Nextzett and experience the legacy of quality that began nearly a century ago.