Messerschmitt, was a German aircraft manufacturing corporation named after its chief designer Willy Messerschmitt known primarily for its World War II fighter aircraft. Temporarily not allowed to manufacture aircraft, Messerschmitt had turned its resources to making other products. In 1952, aircraft engineer Fritz Fend approached Messerschmitt with the idea of manufacturing small motor vehicles, with the first model known as the Kabinenroller. The first of Fend's vehicles to enter production at Messerschmitt's Regensburg factory was the KR175. The KR200 replaced the KR175 in 1955 using the same basic frame as the KR175 with changes to the bodywork and an improved canopy design. Otherwise, the KR200 was a total redesign. Production of the KR200 was heavily reduced in 1962 and ceased in 1964.