A behind the scenes look at the German Africa Corps (German: Deutsches Afrikakorps, DAK listen (help·info)), or just the Afrika Korps, was the German expeditionary force in Libya and Tunisia during the North African Campaign of World War II. The reputation of the Afrika Korps is synonymous with that of its first commander Erwin Rommel, who later commanded the Panzer Army Africa which evolved into the German-Italian Panzer Army (Deutsch-Italienische Panzerarmee) and Army Group Africa, all of which Afrika Korps was a distinct and principal component. Throughout the North African campaign, the Afrika Korps fought against Allied forces until its surrender in May 1943.
Romel threatened the access to oil and that was now the lifeblood of any military.
Keeping the oil flowing meant defeating Romel and this required mobility that only motor transport could provide.