VM Motori, Engine manufacturer in Cento, Italy
VM Motori operates a production site in Cento, in the province of Ferrara, where it builds diesel engines used in agricultural machinery, marine vessels, and commercial vehicles worldwide. The facility includes research labs, test benches, and assembly halls where engines of different power outputs are manufactured and checked for reliability.
Claudio Vancini and Ugo Martelli founded the company in 1947 and developed the first Italian air-cooled diesel engine with direct injection. The production site was expanded and modernized over the following decades to meet growing demand for industrial engines.
The industrial legacy of VM Motori represents the engineering excellence of the Emilia-Romagna region, contributing to Italy's manufacturing reputation in the automotive sector.
The site lies in the industrial area of Cento, slightly outside the town center, and can be reached via local roads. Visiting is possible only through corporate events or prior arrangements, as it remains an active production facility.
The company currently develops hydrogen engines and hybrid powertrains, including a 1.3-liter hybrid engine that delivers an additional 20 kilowatts of electric power at 48 volts. These new technologies aim to support the transition to lower-emission propulsion systems in commercial vehicles.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
