HISTORY

Since the company was founded in 1976, Öhlins has represented the pinnacle of suspension technology and firmly rooted itself as an integral part of the motorsport industry, underpinning countless world titles and podium finishes. Öhlins technology is not only considered the gold standard within the aftermarket suspension industry, but also by car, motorcycle, and mountain bike manufacturers across the globe.

Back in the 1960s, Kenth Öhlin was an up-and-coming motocross rider who showed an innate talent for mechanics. He knew how to bring out the best in the materials he used, and soon found himself modifying his competitors’ bikes. By the time he started his business, he’d already designed his own exhaust pipes, engines, and of course — shock absorbers.

Öhlins grew to become synonymous with advanced suspension. The products were not only superior in terms of technology, but also in quality — a testament to Kenth Öhlin’s meticulous nature. In 1978, Öhlins won its first world championship, when Russian motocross racer Gennady Moiseev took home the 250cc title on an Öhlins-equipped KTM. Since then, more than 400 world titles have followed. Öhlins aimed to build on its success in road racing, and soon entered the automotive segment — in racing, as well as rally — further strengthening its motorsport pedigree.

But Öhlins didn’t stop there. The company continued to grow, adding electronically controlled, semi-active suspension to its portfolio under the trademark CES. This technology revolutionized the automotive industry and is widely used by premium car manufacturers today.

In 1998, Öhlins partnered with Tenneco Inc. to develop CES valve technology for automotive applications. They jointly launched the first CES shock absorbers as standard equipment on the Volvo S60R performance car in 2003. Fast forward to November 2018, Kenth Öhlin announced an agreement to sell a majority share of Öhlins Racing AB® to Tenneco Inc. The acquisition was finalized in January 2019, marking the beginning of a new era for Öhlins as part of Tenneco.