Paul Klassen: From a Garage to an International VIP Brand
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29 Oct 2026
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KLASSEN
From a €50 Garage to an International VIP Brand: The Story of Paul Klassen
A small garage in Minden, a used bus and the desire to build something of his own: this is how Paul Klassen describes the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey. Today, KLASSEN stands for bespoke VIP vehicles, luxurious Mercedes-Benz V-Class models, Sprinter JetVans and specialised vehicle solutions for international clients.
A new video portrait tells the story behind the brand. It is complemented by archival footage of an extended Mercedes-Benz Viano — a project that marked the beginning of a new chapter for Paul Klassen.
Minden. How does a small workshop grow into an internationally recognised automotive brand? Paul Klassen’s story leads from Dushanbe in Tajikistan to East Westphalia, and from his first bus conversions to vehicles for entrepreneurs, professional athletes and government clients.
According to the company’s current figures, more than 1,755 vehicles have been built for clients in 106 countries. Minden remains the heart of the business to this day.
A Fresh Start at 13
Paul Klassen was born in Dushanbe in 1977. In 1990, he moved to Germany with his family. At 13, he had to learn a new language and find his way in unfamiliar surroundings.
In the video portrait, he recalls starting work at an early age, taking on financial responsibility and wanting to develop his skills. Books played an important role in this process. For him, learning meant discovering opportunities that initially seemed far beyond reach.
He started a family of his own at a young age. A secure job with the City of Minden offered stability. Yet his ambition to establish his own business remained.
A Garage for €50 and the First Bus
As Paul Klassen recounts, he rented a garage on Pionierstraße for €50 a month. There, he began converting a used bus.
The first projects called for practical solutions: making better use of the available space, adapting vehicles to their owners’ needs and turning an idea into a working product. He sold his first converted bus to Africa.
These early beginnings gradually developed into a specialisation in bespoke vehicle conversions. Comfort, interior layout and clients’ wishes became central to his work.
Geneva: Setbacks and the Courage to Try Again
An important step in the company’s development was its appearance at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. With the Volkswagen T5 “Power Drift Luxury”, KLASSEN presented an exceptional concept featuring a Porsche engine and a luxurious interior.
Yet attracting attention for its engineering did not immediately translate into commercial success. As he recalls in the video, the vehicle did not meet every expectation — particularly when it came to space for the driver.
The response was a new project: an extended Mercedes-Benz van designed to provide additional room. In 2013, the vehicle extension became an important milestone in the company’s history.
The Mercedes-Benz Viano That Reached Millions
The accompanying archival video shows the extended Mercedes-Benz Viano and the idea behind it: when an existing vehicle does not offer enough space, a new engineering solution is needed.
According to Paul Klassen, the footage attracted around three million views within three days. For him, this attention was a decisive step towards becoming an internationally recognised brand.
The project demonstrated what KLASSEN wanted to stand for: combining unconventional ideas with clear benefits for drivers and passengers.
Who Uses KLASSEN Vehicles Today
Clients have different requirements. Entrepreneurs look for a mobile meeting room. Families want comfort on long journeys. Professional athletes need a private retreat between training sessions, appointments and travel. Government clients may have additional security and protection requirements.
These needs result in bespoke interiors based on the Mercedes-Benz V-Class and Sprinter, featuring comfortable seating systems, partitions, entertainment technology and equipment tailored to each vehicle’s intended use.
Alongside VIP vans, the brand’s portfolio includes extended limousines and armoured vehicle projects. The appropriate equipment and technical specification depend on the individual commission.
Design Requires Engineering Responsibility
An exclusive interior must also prove itself in everyday use. Technical documentation, quality control, and the inspections and approvals required for each vehicle configuration are therefore part of the development process.
According to the company’s own published information, KLASSEN has been registered as a manufacturer with Germany’s Federal Motor Transport Authority (Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt) since 2019. For Paul Klassen, design and engineering responsibility go hand in hand: a vehicle should impress clients at first sight and continue to serve them in everyday life for years to come.
Rooted in Minden
What began in a garage has become a company with an international clientele. Its connection to Minden has remained.
The story behind KLASSEN is also one of a fresh start in Germany, family responsibility and the determination to keep working after setbacks. Today, Paul Klassen is the father of six children and grandfather of eleven grandchildren.
Asked what drives him, he replies in the video portrait:
“I have always believed I could achieve anything.”
Watch the video portrait of Paul Klassen here, followed by the archival footage below.
Contact for Press and Interview Enquiries
Print, online, radio and television editorial teams can contact Paul Klassen directly with enquiries about the founder’s biography, the company’s development and the vehicle projects shown. The availability of additional photographs and video footage, together with the associated usage rights, can be arranged upon request.
Paul Klassen KLASSEN Automobile GmbH Schwarzer Weg 4, 32423 Minden
