Dr. Friedrich Gercke, Karl Kniebaum, Otto Köther and Helmut Winter, establish DEUTSCHE KRAFTVERKEHR GmbH (German road transport) in Duisburg. The newly formed company organises and arranges road transport for the German Reichsbahn and Bundesbahn railway networks until 1953.

Subsidiary company Waldholz-Transport GmbH develops a standard shipping-container for transporting goods as far back as the 1930s. The so-called "transport box" significantly reduces loading and unloading times. However, this innovative system is unable to achieve market penetration due to the political situation.

DKV launches products and services aimed at increasing the profitability of goods shipments and improving the comfort and safety of drivers. In addition to introducing the Tankschecks the precursors to today's fuel cards), and a network of 26 contract fuel stations, a DKV fuel atlas is published for the first time. To ensure no time is lost searching for accommodation when travelling over long distances, DKV drivers' hostels are set-up from 1951.

Shortly after termination of the cooperation with the German railways, the sale of diesel becomes the core business of DKV, thereby laying the foundation stone for today’s fuel station network. At the same time, Heinrich Eckstein becomes a shareholder. DKV's business expanded throughout Europe.

Founding fathers Dr. Gercke and Karl Kniebaum leave DKV. Heinrich Eckstein attracts Ernst Grimmke as a DKV shareholder. Each man holds 50% of the shares. From 1959, DKV's head office is located at Tonhallenstrasse in Düsseldorf.

DKV launches the DKV delivery notes for the first time. This means that drivers no longer need to exchange currencies, thereby facilitating more rapid transportation.

Heinrich Eckstein resigns as a result of differing opinions relating to corporate objectives. The new name of the company is DEUTSCHER KRAFTVERKEHR Ernst Grimmke GmbH & Co.KG. DKV is already present in ten European countries. Mineral oil partner CALTEX takes a stake in the company from 1965.

The DKV CARD is introduced. Haulage firms can now precisely calculate the fuel consumption of their fleets. Every two weeks an invoice is prepared which lists the refuelling details of each individual truck. In order to maintain the independence of DKV, Ernst Grimmke establishes an emergency network of own-brand fuel stations. These are attached to easily accessible truck stops.

During the 1970s, DKV introduces the embossed DKV CARD with a magnetic strip. The company already has contracts with 1,500 fuel stations and 70 truck stops in 17 European countries. In 1971, DKV offers a wide range of services under the "Extra Service" banner. Ernst Grimmke transfers his shares to his daughter, Dr. Karin Fischer in 1972.

Along with the invoice, transport companies receive a brochure which contains information on how to reclaim value added tax in the respective country. The company's total capital now amounts to DM 18 million. In the meantime, CALTEX sells its shares to Chevron (from 1986 TEXACO, later renamed RWE/DEA).

During the 1990s, DKV withdraws from the truck stop business and sells its own-brand truck stops. From 1995, it becomes possible for customers to pay road tolls throughout Europe.

Dr. Karin Fischer initially procures all partnership shares and subsequently sells 45% to the Gothaer Insurance Group. 55% of the company's shares - and therefore a majority holding - are retained by Dr. Karin Fischer.

ERS (subsequently REMOBIS) is established as a separate subsidiary to provide the VAT refund service. Contactless road toll recording using operator boxes is introduced in 2004 and toll payments are processed using DKV systems. A further milestone in the development of the company is the interoperable DKV BOX which is launched in 2007.

Dr. Karin Fischer transfers her partnership shares to her son, Jan Fischer. DKV is now in its third generation of family ownership. In December 2010, the new group structure is introduced. During the following year, the group of companies moves into the newly constructed group headquarters in Ratingen and NOVOFLEET is established with the purpose of offering an alternative solution for commercial car fleets.

Jan Fischer takes over the shares of “Gothaer Versicherung”. 58 years after the takeover by Ernst Grimmke, the Fischer family is now the sole shareholder. The new structure gives DKV Mobility the necessary scope to position itself more strongly in the market.

Jan Fischer identifies a partner, CVC Capital Partners Fund VII (CVC), to successfully drive the growth strategy forward. In 2019, CVC acquires the corresponding minority interest.

There are now over 5.1 million fuel cards and on-board units in circulation across 45 European markets. Under the guidance of the Fischer siblings, DKV Mobility continues to expand strongly from 2019. A special focus is placed on the expansion of the core business as well as digitalisation and sustainability.