The V4 engine was also used in industrial applications: pumps, electrical generators, agricultural machinery and snowcats.

Initially the V4 engine was designed by Ford for a new entry compact car intended for the US market to be called the Ford "Cardinal", which eventually evolved into the Taunus 12m P4.

Ford then sought other uses for the V4 engine which was initially tested in the Saab 96.

Saab dealers offered the first owner a "Lifetime Warranty" for the V4 for US$50.

Some DKW Munga, a Jeep-like vehicle used by the German army, were retrofitted with the Taunus V4 to replace its original two-stroke engine.