The idea of creating combat and transport semi-tracked vehicles originated in Germany during the First World War. Later, in the middle of the 30-ies, mass production of artillery tractors, transport vehicles and armored personnel carriers of this type was launched. Armored personnel carriers have found the widest use in the Wehrmacht: the transportation of personnel, equipment and ammunition, special-purpose vehicles, communications and headquarters. The arrival of this technology in the motorized units dramatically increased their combat capabilities. By the number of semi-tracked vehicles produced, Germany was second only to the United States.