Website Relaunch with TYPO3 for DEUTZ AG
A manufacturer of diesel, gas, hydrogen, and electric engines based in Cologne
DEUTZ AG is one of the leading manufacturers of innovative powertrain systems. The company develops and manufactures diesel, gas, and electric engines for a wide range of applications in agriculture and forestry, construction equipment, stationary systems, and commercial vehicles. As a pioneer in engine technology, DEUTZ is committed to sustainable solutions and has established itself worldwide as a reliable partner. With a history spanning more than 150 years, DEUTZ AG is known for its high quality, which is reflected in its global success and strong market position.
Challenge
As part of this extensive project, we worked closely with two other agencies to successfully meet the requirements of our client, DEUTZ AG. BRAINfive—an agency specializing in brand identity—took the lead as the lead branding and design agency, developing a comprehensive design concept. Given the scale of the project, both we and the digital agency Friendventure GmbH were responsible for the technical implementation. Friendventure GmbH was responsible for the basic TYPO3 configuration and handled the design as well as the implementation of the core functions. As DEUTZ AG’s long-standing TYPO3 agency, we at dkd contributed our expertise by developing various components of the DEUTZ website and ensuring a smooth deployment and successful go-live process.
The initial challenges we faced in this project were taking over the website, which had previously been updated to TYPO3 by Friendventure GmbH. As part of the project handover, we were tasked with modifying the design of the main navigation and footer and restructuring them accordingly.
Another key priority was troubleshooting various applications used on the website. In addition, the client requested that the website be expanded to include an additional microsite for all data protection inquiries. To ensure high website availability, it was necessary to set up a high-availability server infrastructure. At the same time, comprehensive SEO optimizations were to be implemented to improve the website’s visibility and discoverability by search engines.
Finally, the website was to be migrated to the OneTrust Consent Management System to ensure legally compliant management of consent for cookies and other tracking technologies.
Background
- Redesign and TYPO3 upgrade carried out by an external agency
- dkd was to finalize the site and take over ongoing support and expansion
- Deployment on high-availability servers required
- TYPO3 VideoRenderer extension for OneTrust Consent Management
Our Implementation at a Glance
- Development
- Design
- Support
- Hosting
- Consulting
- Responsive
- Mobile
- Multilingual
- Wireframes
- Prototyping
- Usability
- Project Management
Solution for DEUTZ AG
The DEUTZ website has been continuously refined over an extended period of time and adapted to meet new communicative, functional, and technical requirements. The focus was not only on modernizing the existing platform but also on expanding it to accommodate new features and content. Among other things, the website was enhanced with a central search function, additional landing pages and microsites, and a global event calendar. The forms were also refined; for example, a multiple-selection feature was added that allows inquiries to be routed to specific recipients based on the selected region.
At the same time, the platform was prepared for additional digital requirements. These included, among other things, the integration and further development of solutions related to the interactive annual report, the applicant portal, and the CRM landscape. Topics such as a CDN, the further development of brand and asset management, and the adaptation of existing integrations were also part of the website’s ongoing development.
A major milestone was the upgrade of the website from TYPO3 Version 11 to TYPO3 Version 13. Rather than updating the existing platform in isolation, it was modernized in parallel with ongoing operations and the continued development of the website’s content. During the upgrade phase, new micropages, landing pages, and forms continued to be created and were integrated into the new system structure.
In addition, the visual design was adapted to the new CI/CD guidelines. The relaunch focused on the front end, ensuring that existing back-end functionalities were retained. At the same time, the front end was optimized for SEO and to meet the requirements of the 2025 Act on Strengthening Accessibility. This integrated technical modernization, ongoing development, and adaptation to new requirements into a single, ongoing project.
Project Scope in Numbers
ㅤ
530
Workdays
spent
31000
File
changes
437524
Lines of
code added
Technical Details
As mentioned, TYPO3 13 forms the technical foundation of the website. During the migration from TYPO3 11 to 13, the existing project structure was adapted to dkd standards. A dynamic Docker infrastructure was used for development, testing, and acceptance. This allowed the required environments to be provisioned flexibly and operated on a uniform technical foundation.
On the server side, the high-availability server was updated to Ubuntu 24.04 with PHP 8.3. Technical adjustments were also made to the front end: the CSS framework in use was updated to Bootstrap 5.x. These changes affected only the front end, while the existing back-end functionalities remained unchanged.
With TYPO3 13, various features and improvements also became available in the backend. These include, among other things, Dark Mode, keyboard shortcuts, an optimized site tree, an improved search function, enhanced bulk editing, and SVG image cropping.
Customer Testimonial
“We’ve been relying on dkd for several years now and are completely satisfied. The team always provides us with competent and proactive advice on all technical matters. They also respond to our inquiries in a flash. We know we’re in the best of hands with dkd, and among other things, we’ve worked together to drive and implement the relaunch of our website. Our collaboration is extremely productive and a real pleasure.”
Good to Know
Our collaboration with DEUTZ will continue in 2026. Following the successful TYPO3 upgrade and the enhancements made so far, the next items are already on the agenda. These include, among other things, improving DEUTZ’s visibility in search engines and AI, AI-supported processes for building microsites, further developing inquiry and event processes, and optimizing the security concept.
Things are also looking exciting on the technical front: Plans include further developing the AI infrastructure, integrating Anubis for bot defense, and evaluating additional solutions for media asset management. Here’s a little sneak peek at what’s to come: a new design for DEUTZ and a 3D viewer are among the next major projects.
The next update on our collaboration starting in 2026 will be posted here as soon as the new projects are completed.
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