Karl Balzer (born 1886) worked for J. W. Utermöhle (Cologne), Auer (Stuttgart-Cannstatt) and Daimler (Bad Cannstatt) before setting up his own business as a coachbuilder in 1925. Balzer's speciality was removable coupé and saloon roofs (hardtops) for Adler, Horch, Minerva, Mercedes-Benz (mainly), NAG, Opel, Steyr and Wanderer. However, he also built commercial vehicle bodies, ambulances, as well as advertising and sales representative vehicles with many shelves, compartments and storage facilities for sample cases. Karl Balzer died in 1957. The company is still active and family-owned today.