ROCKINGER, a renowned name in towing hitch technology, is celebrating its 150th anniversary. Since its founding in 1875, ROCKINGER has stood for pioneering innovation, exceptional quality, and customer-driven solutions. Since 2001, ROCKINGER has been part of JOST World, a leading global producer and supplier of safety-critical systems for the commercial vehicle industry.
For a century and a half, ROCKINGER has led the way in coupling technology, setting industry benchmarks with its reliable and high-performance products worldwide. Whether it is a standard towing hitch or a sensor and remote-controlled comfort towing hitch, ROCKINGER offers a wide-ranging, high-quality and reliable product portfolio for every application. Robust designs and precise manufacturing make ROCKINGER stand out. From trucks and trailers to agricultural tractors, telescopic loaders, construction machinery, and industrial vehicles: ROCKINGER is both on- and off-highway.
The Legacy of ROCKINGER
ROCKINGER was founded in 1875 by Johann Rockinger in Munich. Since then, the brand has had a decisive influence on the technical development of towing hitches. In 1927 the invention of the “safety coupling for truck convoys”, the first fully automatic ROCKINGER towing hitch, changed the standard of reliability and safety of towing hitches. As part of JOST World since 2001, the brand continues to benefit from the strength of a global leader in commercial vehicle solutions while maintaining its legacy of precision and trust. In 2023 JOST acquired LH Lift, an established supplier and manufacturer of three-point linkages and couplings for agricultural tractors. The Finnish company’s product range complements ROCKINGER Agriculture’s portfolio.
“150 years of ROCKINGER is a milestone that reflects our commitment to quality, safety, and technological advancement,” said Joachim Dürr, CEO of JOST Werke SE. “Our customers trust ROCKINGER because of its unparalleled reliability, and we are proud to celebrate this legacy while driving innovation for the future.”
Technology Development
Throughout its history, ROCKINGER has successfully navigated global expansion and evolving market demands, offering a broad range of robust and user-friendly products. From standard towing hitches to advanced sensor-assisted coupling systems, ROCKINGER ensures safe and efficient transportation solutions for trucks, trailers, agricultural machinery, and industrial vehicles.
“There are many things that make the brand ROCKINGER unique. One of them is our highly experienced and innovation-driven team”, explained Jan Meister, Head of Global OEM Sales ROCKINGER. “Our experts are present worldwide, ensuring that ROCKINGER products always provide the best solutions for local requirements. We have embraced JOST’s local-to-local approach, meaning we tailor our towing hitch technology to meet the specific needs of each country, including service and spare parts. This commitment to customization is why we offer a wide range of towing hitches with country-specific adaptations.”
One of the company’s latest innovations, the ROCKINGER Drawbar Finder, exemplifies its commitment to efficiency and safety. Here, a camera sits in a central and protected position above the towing hitch, functioning as an extra set of eyes and preventing misalignment of the drawbar eye. By providing both horizontal and vertical guidance, it enables precise coupling, which in turn raises efficiency and helps prevent accidents. The driver no longer needs to get out of the truck to check that the drawbar eye is aligned correctly.
Heading to the next 150 years
Looking ahead, ROCKINGER remains committed to advancing smart coupling systems with sensor technology and increasing automation, providing greater assistance to the end-user. With a strong emphasis on digitalization and enhanced safety standards, the company continues to exceed regulatory requirements and meet the transport industry’s growing demands – in close collaboration with strong partners worldwide.