History of Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz is the world's oldest premium automotive brand from Germany, with its history intertwined with that of the automobile itself. The founding spirit of Daimler, especially encapsulated in the phrase "Das best oder nicht" (The best or nothing), has been the driving force behind making Mercedes-Benz the epitome of luxury, a synonym for safety, and a globally renowned car.
In October 1883, Karl Benz established the world's first automobile factory, 'Benz & Cie', in Mannheim. On January 29, 1886, he registered a patent for the first motorcar (powered by a gasoline engine). In 1893, he developed the 'Victoria', a car with a front wheel that could turn at various angles, marking the beginning of mass production. By 1900, Benz & Cie was producing 600 cars annually.
Similarly, Gottlieb Daimler developed a motorized carriage called the 'horseless carriage' in 1886 and founded DMC (Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft) in 1890. By 1900, DMC had 344 employees producing 96 cars and had introduced the 'Mercedes' brand, known for its new speed and safety standards.
Due to the competition between Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler in automobile manufacturing, German cars had already taken on a modern appearance at that time. In the 20th century, the Daimler company, run by Daimler's descendants, became rivals with the Benz company in both the automobile market and car racing. In 1902, Daimler's Mercedes gained worldwide popularity. This car was named after Mercedes, the daughter of Daimler's Austrian sales representative, Emil Jellinek. Although her daughter was ordinary, the name 'Mercedes', meaning elegance in Spanish, became globally renowned.
The Mercedes brand gained immense popularity worldwide at that time, and subsequently, Daimler named all its cars 'Mercedes' and used it as a trademark in 1902. The competition between the two manufacturers elevated German automobiles to global prominence. They also engaged in healthy competition in engine manufacturing for boats, airplanes, and more.
In 1926, Benz & Cie and DMG merged to form Daimler-Benz AG. Daimler-Benz AG went on to set numerous world records, including producing the world's first gasoline-powered car, consecutive wins in car races, and leading in the development of trucks, taxis, diesel cars, and coupes. Daimler-Benz AG was always a step ahead in improving engines, suspensions, and car bodies, and in 1935, it developed and began production of the world's first diesel passenger car, the 260D.
Daimler-Benz AG, which has invested more in automobile safety than any other brand, developed reinforced side protection and safety door locks in the 1930s. In 1951, they patented a safety chassis that prevented passenger injuries by pushing the engine downward during a collision. In 1953, they developed the crumple zone to absorb impact, and Mercedes was the first to use seat belts in 1959. They also conducted the world's first crash test in 1959. Notable safety features such as ABS and airbags were also first introduced by Mercedes.
In 1959, they surpassed the annual production of 100,000 cars for the first time, followed by 200,000 in 1967, 300,000 in 1972, 400,000 in 1977, and more than 500,000 by 1985. In 1998, the 72nd anniversary of its founding, Daimler-Benz AG merged with Chrysler Corporation to form DaimlerChrysler AG. From 1993 to 1999, car sales doubled, and in 1999, sales of passenger cars surpassed one million for the first time. DaimlerChrysler AG separated from the Chrysler Group in 2007, and as of February 1, 2022, it changed its name from ‘Daimler AG’ to ‘Mercedes-Benz Group AG’.
In October 1883, Karl Benz established the world's first automobile factory, 'Benz & Cie', in Mannheim. On January 29, 1886, he registered a patent for the first motorcar (powered by a gasoline engine). In 1893, he developed the 'Victoria', a car with a front wheel that could turn at various angles, marking the beginning of mass production. By 1900, Benz & Cie was producing 600 cars annually.
Similarly, Gottlieb Daimler developed a motorized carriage called the 'horseless carriage' in 1886 and founded DMC (Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft) in 1890. By 1900, DMC had 344 employees producing 96 cars and had introduced the 'Mercedes' brand, known for its new speed and safety standards.
Due to the competition between Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler in automobile manufacturing, German cars had already taken on a modern appearance at that time. In the 20th century, the Daimler company, run by Daimler's descendants, became rivals with the Benz company in both the automobile market and car racing. In 1902, Daimler's Mercedes gained worldwide popularity. This car was named after Mercedes, the daughter of Daimler's Austrian sales representative, Emil Jellinek. Although her daughter was ordinary, the name 'Mercedes', meaning elegance in Spanish, became globally renowned.
The Mercedes brand gained immense popularity worldwide at that time, and subsequently, Daimler named all its cars 'Mercedes' and used it as a trademark in 1902. The competition between the two manufacturers elevated German automobiles to global prominence. They also engaged in healthy competition in engine manufacturing for boats, airplanes, and more.
In 1926, Benz & Cie and DMG merged to form Daimler-Benz AG. Daimler-Benz AG went on to set numerous world records, including producing the world's first gasoline-powered car, consecutive wins in car races, and leading in the development of trucks, taxis, diesel cars, and coupes. Daimler-Benz AG was always a step ahead in improving engines, suspensions, and car bodies, and in 1935, it developed and began production of the world's first diesel passenger car, the 260D.
Daimler-Benz AG, which has invested more in automobile safety than any other brand, developed reinforced side protection and safety door locks in the 1930s. In 1951, they patented a safety chassis that prevented passenger injuries by pushing the engine downward during a collision. In 1953, they developed the crumple zone to absorb impact, and Mercedes was the first to use seat belts in 1959. They also conducted the world's first crash test in 1959. Notable safety features such as ABS and airbags were also first introduced by Mercedes.
In 1959, they surpassed the annual production of 100,000 cars for the first time, followed by 200,000 in 1967, 300,000 in 1972, 400,000 in 1977, and more than 500,000 by 1985. In 1998, the 72nd anniversary of its founding, Daimler-Benz AG merged with Chrysler Corporation to form DaimlerChrysler AG. From 1993 to 1999, car sales doubled, and in 1999, sales of passenger cars surpassed one million for the first time. DaimlerChrysler AG separated from the Chrysler Group in 2007, and as of February 1, 2022, it changed its name from ‘Daimler AG’ to ‘Mercedes-Benz Group AG’.
The Three-Pointed Star, Symbol of Excellence: The Mercedes-Benz Logo
The three-pointed star emblem of Mercedes-Benz symbolizes Daimler's aspiration to be the best on land, sea, and air. Today, this emblem represents the highest standards of safety, quality, comfort, and captivating style worldwide. The Mercedes-Benz logo is synonymous with the brand's tradition, innovation, and the future of automobiles.
Mercedes-Benz Model Naming System
To make the expanding Mercedes-Benz model portfolio easier to understand, the brand announced a new naming system in November 2014. The main model series of Mercedes-Benz—A, B, C, E, and S-Class—remain core to the brand and continue to use these model names.
For SUVs, the prefix 'GL' is used to honor the legendary G-Class. Following this prefix, the model series class names 'A', 'B', 'C', 'E', and 'S' are added according to the vehicle class. Authentic sports cars developed independently by Mercedes-AMG are named 'GT'. Dream cars in coupe and cabriolet forms are prefixed with 'CL'.
Additionally, the suffix at the end of the model name indicates the engine type and drive system. Diesel models are marked with a 'd', plug-in hybrid models with an 'e', and four-wheel drive models use '4MATIC'.
For SUVs, the prefix 'GL' is used to honor the legendary G-Class. Following this prefix, the model series class names 'A', 'B', 'C', 'E', and 'S' are added according to the vehicle class. Authentic sports cars developed independently by Mercedes-AMG are named 'GT'. Dream cars in coupe and cabriolet forms are prefixed with 'CL'.
Additionally, the suffix at the end of the model name indicates the engine type and drive system. Diesel models are marked with a 'd', plug-in hybrid models with an 'e', and four-wheel drive models use '4MATIC'.
