The Sd.Kfz. 164 was introduced in 1943 by the initial name “Hornisse” (hornet). To avoid confusion with the Panzerhaubitze “Hummel” (bumblebee), the name was changed to “Nashorn” (rhino). From February 1943 to March 1945 a total of 494 tanks were built. The Nashorn’s capability of penetrating any allied tank at long range and its high mobility paired with low costs ensured it remained in production until the war’s end.