Mercedes-Benz

One of the most iconic car brands in the world is Mercedes-Benz, and for good reason. The brand is part of the world?s oldest automotive empire and makes cars that fit the needs of just about anyone and everyone.

Legendary inventors lead to legendary brands

Mercedes-Benz is the flagship brand of Daimler AG, a company that is associated with some of the earliest innovations in automotive history. The founders of Daimler, Gottlieb Daimler and Willhelm Maybach, were engineers who specialized in stationary engines used in industrial equipment. In 1886, they successfully converted a riding coach to motorized power, and in 1890, started Daimler-Motoren-Gesellshaft, selling stationary motors that eventually were used in powering the world?s first motorcycle and motorboat, later expanding into aircraft engines.

In 1901, they were commissioned by Emil Jennick to build him a small race car, and he insisted the car be named for his daughter, Mercedes. They continued to make racing cars under the brand name Mercedes, and the cars became popular on the European race circuit. The three-pointed star logo was introduced in 1909, heralding Daimler motors working on land, sea and in the air.

Companies merge

In 1926, DMG merged with Benz and Cie. The founder of that company, Karl Benz, patented the first gasoline-powered car in 1886, the three-wheeled Benz Motor Wagen, less than 70 miles from where Daimler and Maybach put a motor on a stage coach. Benz had been an automotive success in its own right, selling some very popular race cars before the merger. After the merger between Daimler and Benz took place, Daimler?s automobile brand was re-christened Mercedes Benz.

The company gained notoriety in the period between the World Wars by selling fast sports cars, top-quality luxury cars, and top-of-the-line freight trucks. After the second World War, Daimler-Benz was able to rebuild itself after it was almost completely destroyed. However, the company quickly re-established itself as a top-notch truck manufacturer and maker of performance and luxury cars, doing more than $1 billion in worldwide sales in 1954. Engineering innovation was a hallmark; Mercedes-Benz invented safety features like crumple zones, traction control, airbags and anti-lock brakes. The company continued to grow by marrying luxury to performance, combined with innovative engineering and reliability, exactly what Mercedes-Benz cars are known for today.

Something for everyone

Mercedes-Benz cars range from economical hatchbacks to mid-size sedans, crossover and full-size SUVs, luxurious touring cars and supercars that can lap a comet. A Mercedes might cost more than some other brands, but when one buys one, where that money went will be readily apparent.