Mercedes-Benz is a name that’s synonymous with quality, reliability and innovation. The German car company has been at the forefront of motoring for nearly a century. But how did it all begin? Check out our timeline guide to the Mercedes-Benz story to find out…
The men behind the company
Gottlieb Daimler (1834 – 1900) and Karl Benz (1872 – 1929) founded the Mercedes-Benz brand in 1926. Both men were German engineers and played key roles in the production of the automobile.
In 1890, Daimler founded his company Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft along with Wilhem Maybach. Several years earlier, Benz started his business under the name Benz & Cie. The company would soon make motoring history.
1886 Karl Benz unveils the Benz Patent-Motorwagen
Karl Benz is the man credited with inventing the world’s first petrol automobile – a three-wheeled, two-seated motorcar. The Benz Patent-Motorwagen was unveiled in 1886.
1902 – Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft patent the Mercedes name
In 1901, Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft unveiled the very first Mercedes car at Nice Race Week. The car is widely regarded as the world’s first contemporary automobile. The company would patent the name Mercedes a year later.
Did you know?
Gottlieb Daimler died before ever getting to see his company’s first ever Mercedes. The car was actually designed by his business partner and fellow engineer, Wilhem Maybach.
The three-point star emblem
The iconic Mercedes emblem is instantly recognisable around the world, but how did it come about? The story goes that Daimler’s sons, Paul and Adolf, were looking for an identity for their late father’s highly successful company. Daimler, who died in 1900, had previously used a star as his logo. His sons registered a three and four-pointed star design as trademarks. Later deciding on the former.
Did you know?
According to Daimler (Mercedes-Benz’ parent company) the three-pointed star was used to represent the company’s ambitions to lead on land, on sea and in the air.
1926 – Mercedes-Benz is born
After the First World War, Karl Benz went into business witb Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft. Both companies were rivals at the time but agreed that a JV would be in their best interests. Due to Germany’s post-war financial crisis, sales of luxury cars were poor.
Mercedes-Benz’ later years
Mercedes-Benz continued to build on their great success throughout the 20th century. In 1938, the German car manufacturer set the record for the fastest timed speed recorded on a public road.
The W125 Rekordwagen still holds the 268mph record.
Over the next few decades, the company would unveil some of their most famous models, including the luxurious Mercedes S-Class, A-Class and C-Class.
Present Day
Mercedes-Benz continues to be a leading name in both motoring and the luxury car industry. In terms of innovation, the company is constantly pushing the boundaries, with concept cars, including a new eco-friendly super car.
In Formula 1, the company’s success has been matched with Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton claiming the 2015 world F1 title for the Mercedes AMG Petronas team.
Stuck for gift ideas? Check out our guide to the best Mercedes replacement parts, upgrades and accessories to add to your Christmas wish list.