 |
|
| Division | |
| Industry | Automotive industry |
| Predecessor | Benz & Cie. (1883-1926) Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (1890-1926) |
| Founded | 1926 |
| Founder | Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler |
| Headquarters | Stuttgart, Germany |
Number of locations
|
Indonesia India United States Malaysia Singapore Brunei China Taiwan Canada Germany Russia South Africa |
Area served
|
Worldwide |
Key people
|
Dieter Zetsche, Chairman |
| Products | Automobiles Trucks Buses Internal combustion engines Luxury vehicles |
| Services | Financial services automobile repair |
| Owner | Daimler AG |
| Divisions | Mercedes-AMG Mercedes-Maybach |
| Slogan | The Best or Nothing |
| Website | www |
How it all Began 1834: Gottlieb Daimler.
'It’s not the idea, it’s the implementation that counts.'
Gottlieb Daimler is born on 17 March 1834 in Schorndorf. After training
as a gunsmith and working in France, he attends the Polytechnic School
in Stuttgart from 1857 to 1859. After completing various technical
activities in France and England, he starts work as a draftsman in
Geislingen in 1862. At the end of 1863, he is appointed workshop
inspector in a machine tool factory in Reutlingen, where he meets
Wilhelm Maybach in 1865. In 1872, he becomes Technical Director of the
gas engine manufacturer Deutz Gasmotorenfabrik, where he becomes
familiar with Otto’s four-stroke technology. After differences with the
Managing Director, he leaves the company in 1882. Daimler sets up a
development workshop in his greenhouse at his Cannstatt villa to
concentrate on developing petrol-driven four-stroke engines. Working
with Wilhelm Maybach in 1884, he develops an internal combustion engine
known today as the 'Grandfather Clock'. With its compact, low-weight
design, the machine forms the basis for installation in a vehicle. The
costs of trial operations soon consume Daimler’s entire fortune,
however, so he is obliged to find business partners. He founds
'Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft' on 28 November 1890 together with Max
Duttenhofer and his business partner Wilhelm Lorenz. But while
Duttenhofer wants to produce stationary engines, Daimler prefers to
focus on vehicle production, and a dispute ensues.
After
Wilhelm Maybach resigns in 1891 due to unacceptable terms of contract,
Daimler resorts to a ruse. He continues to build engines with Maybach,
but the patents are all in his name. The increasingly tense relationship
with Duttenhofer and Lorenz lead them to exclude Daimler as a
shareholder. A deterioration in finances leads to stagnating technical
development, which prompts DMG to attempt to reinstate Maybach in 1895.
He refuses, pointing out that he would not come back without Daimler. In
the end, commercial pressures result in both of them returning to the
company. Thanks to the Phoenix engine built by Maybach, the Daimler
engine gains popularity abroad. A group of English industrialists are
prepared to pay 350,000 Marks for licensing rights. Maybach is appointed
Technical Director of DMG, and Gottlieb Daimler receives a position on
the Technical Board and becomes the Inspector General of the Supervisory
Board. The return of both men to DMG is an unexpected boost for the
company. Gottlieb Daimler enjoys this rapid development for only a short
period of time. He dies of heart disease on 6 March 1900.
How it all Began 1844: Carl Benz.
'Love of invention will never die'
Carl Benz is born in Karlsruhe on 25
November 1844. His father dies in July 1846. Despite living on limited
financial means, his mother ensures that her son attends a grammar
school and later studies mechanical engineering. The young engineer
advances quickly from a locksmith to a designer and workshop foreman. In
1871, Carl Benz joins forces with 'mechanician' August Ritter to found
his first company, 'Carl Benz and August Ritter, Engineering Workshop',
in Mannheim. When Ritter emerges as an unreliable partner, Carl Benz is
forced to pay him off using the dowry of his wife, Bertha Ringer, and
runs the company alone. From 1878, Carl Benz works intensively on a
gas-driven two-stroke engine to realise his vision of a 'vehicle without
horses'. After long and laborious attempts, he gets the engine running
for the first time on New Year’s Eve in 1879. He founds the
'Gasmotorenfabrik Mannheim' (Mannheim Gas Engine Factory) as a
shareholding company in October 1882. Benz’s share in the company
amounts to a mere 5 per cent, however, and he has only limited influence
in technical areas. His backers are primarily concerned with the safe
business of stationary gas engines.
Benz
leaves the company in January 1883 and joins forces with new business
partners Max Rose and Friedrich Wilhelm Esslinger. They found the
company 'Benz & Cie. Rheinische Gasmotoren-Fabrik Mannheim' (Benz
& Co. Rhine Gas Engine Factory Mannheim' and launch the two-stroke
'System Benz' engine. While Benz strives to implement his automotive
vision, his business partners Rose and Esslinger are sceptical of the
outcome. Carl Benz is once again faced with finding new investors.
Julius Ganss and Friedrich von Fischer replace Rose and Esslinger in May
1890. The combined business model of producing stationary and vehicle
engines is a success. But Benz wanted to focus exclusively on vehicles
and starts the company 'Carl Benz Söhne' (Carl Benz & Sons) in
Ladenburg in 1906. In 1912, Carl Benz resigns as Managing Director and
transfers sole management control to his sons. He witnesses the rise of
motorisation and the implementation of his ideas. On his 80th birthday,
the 'once ridiculed and misunderstood inventor,' as he has been seen in
the past, enjoys plaudits from around the world. In his last years (1926
to 1929), Carl Benz remains active as a Board Member of the new
Daimler-Benz AG company. The automobile pioneer dies at his home in
Ladenburg on 4 April 1929.
How it all Began 1846: Wilhelm Maybach.
The king of designers
Wilhelm Maybach is born in Heilbronn on 9
February 1846 as the son of a master joiner. Orphaned at ten years old
following the death of both parents within three years of each another,
Wilhelm is adopted into the Reutlinger Bruderhaus in 1856 after friends
of the family print an announcement in the 'Stuttgarter Anzeiger'
newspaper. It is during his schooling at the Bruderhaus that Wilhelm
Maybach first becomes acquainted with Gottlieb Daimler whilst working in
the machine shop in 1864. Their close relationship will endure
throughout their lives. Wilhelm Maybach initially follows Daimler to
Karlsruhe and then in 1872 to the engine manufacturer Deutz. Following a
brief stint employed as a draughtsman, he is appointed head designer in
January 1873. When Gottlieb Daimler leaves the Deutz Gasmotorenfabrik
following internal wranglings, Wilhelm Maybach joins his friend in
Cannstatt in October 1882. Here they collaborate in the development of a
lightweight, high-speed combustion engine. Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft
(DMG) is founded in November 1890 by Daimler and two business partners,
Max Duttenhofer and Wilhelm Lorenz. Although Wilhelm Maybach was in
line to assume the position of head designer, he is unhappy with
contractual terms and leaves DMG in February 1891. What follows is a
remarkable temporary solution. Secretly funded by Daimler, Maybach
continues to improve his mobility concept.
Working
with a small team in the Hotel Hermann in Cannstatt, he develops
significant design concepts, including the belt drive, the Phoenix
engine and the spray nozzle carburettor – inspirations that are used in
the automobile industry for decades to come. Gottlieb Daimler and
Wilhelm Maybach are reinstated at DMG in November 1895 at the behest of
English industrialist Frederick Simms, who negotiates a substantial
licensing business with the company. Maybach’s primary objective is to
re-establish DMG’s competitive capacity through technical innovation and
reliable products. Extensive development work is implemented to advance
the concepts devised in the Hotel Hermann to series production status.
The most significant outcome is the belt-driven car, the first
automobile to be produced by DMG in considerable quantity. Following the
death of Max von Duttenhofer in August 1903, Maybach’s standing within
the company gradually deteriorates, leading to his eventual resignation
from DMG in April 1907. Embittered by his treatment, Maybach goes into
business with his sons constructing the now legendary vehicles bearing
his own name. Wilhelm Maybach dies in Cannstatt on 29 December 1929 at
the age of 83.
This is where the automobile pioneer is also buried – close to the grave of Gottlieb Daimler at the Uff-Kirchhof cemetery.
How it all Began 1882 Engine development.
Test workshop in Stuttgart-Cannstatt
After leaving the gas engine works following a dispute with management
in 1882, Gottlieb Daimler purchases a villa in Cannstatt
(Taubenheimstrasse). He immediately sets about upgrading the greenhouse
on the property by adding an extension to create his own testing
workshop. The refuge in the Taubenheimstrasse is an ideal retreat for
the close-knit partnership of Daimler and Maybach to continue their
research. Daimler’s vision was to focus on petrol as the fuel used in
engines being built into all conceivable types of vehicle – whether for
land, sea or air operation. The crucial technology that provides the
solution is discovered by Maybach after poring over extensive research
carried out by an Englishman named Watson in one of his patents. The
patent suggests the possibility of using an unregulated hot-tube
ignition system, an essential prerequisite for attaining higher speeds
without needing lighter, more powerful engines. The first design
developed in the Cannstatt testing workshop by the two engineers is an
“engine featuring unregulated hot-tube ignition system” based on the
four-stroke principle pioneered by Otto, and subsequently patented by
Daimler (DRP 28022).
By
the end of 1883, the first (still horizontal) high-speed test engine is
up and running. Delivering an engine speed of 600 rpm, this engine
easily surpasses the maximum speed limit of 120–180 rpm produced by
previous engines. Using this 'small model engine' as a basic concept,
Daimler and Maybach go on to develop the renowned Daimler
single-cylinder engine, referred to today as the 'Grandfather Clock',
which was a key milestone in the history of automotive production.
Lightweight and reasonably
priced, this two-seater car is considered the first mass-produced
automobile, with a production count of around 1200 units. In 1897, Benz
developed the 'contra' engine, the forerunner to today’s boxer engines.
This allows the company to satisfy the increasing demand for vehicles
featuring higher engine outputs. Between 1890 and 1899, the workforce
increases from 50 employees to 430. A total of 572 vehicles are produced
by Benz in the financial year 1899, rising to 603 in the following
year.
How it all Began 1883 Benz & Cie.
The first steps Benz & Co. Rheinische
Gasmotoren-Fabrik (renamed Benz & Cie. in 1899) is founded in
Mannheim by Carl Benz in October 1883 in collaboration with businessman
Max Kaspar Rose and sales representative Friedrich Wilhelm Esslinger.
Proving an immediate success, the company workforce increases rapidly to
25 employees. The newly established business even grants licenses for
building gas engines. Due to a growing demand for stationary engines,
Benz & Co. Rheinische Gasmotoren-Fabrik is compelled to relocate to
more spacious factory premises. While Carl Benz is working vigorously on
the development of a car engine, his business partners Rose and
Esslinger are becoming increasingly sceptical of the future prospects
for Benz’s brainchild. They are replaced in May 1890 by Julius Ganss and
Friedrich von Fischer. On his departure, Rose even leaves Benz with the
well-intended snippet of advice: “Don’t waste your time on motor cars.”
The appointment of the new partners sees Rheinischen Gasmotoren-Fabrik
Benz & Cie. evolve to become the second-largest engine manufacturer
in Germany, and the world’s leading producer of automobiles up to the
turn of the century. The economic breakthrough comes with the
four-wheeled motorised Velocipede – commonly known as the “Velo” – which
is produced between 1894 and 1901.
How it all Began 1884 The 'Grandfather Clock' engine.
The first contemporary automobile
Working together in the Cannstatt district of Stuttgart, Gottlieb
Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach are faced with a considerable challenge: To
develop a high-performance engine capable of driving a vehicle. Due to
their weight and size, the “drive machines” available at the time are
unsuitable for installation in a motor carriage. The two engineers would
have to develop miniature versions of existing designs to produce a
drive concept in line with Daimler’s plans. A light, compact design are
key factors in this process. On this basis, Daimler and Maybach build a
test engine with a vertical cylinder, which is christened the
“Grandfather Clock” due to its appearance. The output of the 1884 design
is around 1 hp (0.8 kW) with an engine speed of 600 rpm. The compact,
weight-saving construction makes it ideal for installation in vehicles.
It is subsequently used in the Daimler Reitwagen (“Riding Car”) and the
motor carriage. This design paves the way for Daimler and Maybach to
install an engine in a motor vehicle.
How it all Began 1885 The Daimler 'riding car'.
The world’s first motorcycle
Based on the Grandfather Clock template, Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm
Maybach build a smaller single-cylinder engine. The first test object is
a bicycle-inspired “carriage” with a strengthened wooden frame. It
becomes known as the “Daimler Reitwagen” (“Riding Car”). Installing the
engine vertically in the wooden frame, Gottlieb Daimler essentially
invents the motorcycle. On 28 August 1885, Daimler is awarded Patent
specification DRP 36423 for the “vehicle with gas or petroleum drive
machine”.
How it all began 1886 Benz Patent Motor Car.
The world’s first automobile
The financial success of his gas engine factory secures Benz an economic
basis, enabling him to devote himself to his vision of an engine-driven
vehicle. But since his two-stroke engine is too large and too heavy to
be installed in a vehicle, Benz puts all his efforts into the
four-stroke principle. Just like Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach,
he has to find a way to increase engine speed. And, just like the
Cannstatt engineers, he focuses on ignition and valve control. Although
his engine reaches a speed of “only” 400 rpm and is therefore less
efficient than Daimler’s design, it already provides the necessary power
to drive a “vehicle without horses”. Carl Benz demonstrates the full
extent of his talents in developing the vehicle. Instead of installing
his engine in an existing vehicle, he designs his motor car as an
integrated independent construction. The primary assembly is the engine
with a horizontal cylinder and large, horizontally mounted flywheel.
Benz designs his innovative vehicle with three wheels because he is
unhappy with the single-pivot steering used in carriages at the time.
Testing begins in October 1885. On 29 January 1886, he takes a step of
historical significance when he submits a patent application for his
“vehicle with gas engine operation” to the Imperial Patent Office. The
patent specification for DRP 37435 is recognised today as the “birth
certificate” of the automobile and bears the name “Patent-Motorwagen”
(“Patent Motor Car”) for the world’s first automobile.
How it all began 1888: Bertha Benz.
The maiden long-distance journey
Bertha and Carl Benz marry on 20 July 1872. Benz later writes in his
memoirs: “With this step, an idealist is at my side who knows what she
wants, from the small and narrow to the grand, clear and vast.”
Supporting all her husband’s activities and sharing his pioneering
spirit, Bertha Benz turns out to be a key factor in the success of Carl
Benz. She is the first person to undertake a long-distance journey with a
petrol-driven automobile. To demonstrate the everyday suitability of
the motor car in practice, she drives with her sons Eugen (15) and
Richard (14) the 100 km distance from Mannheim to Pforzheim to visit her
mother. Her vehicle is the third version of the “Patent Motor Car”,
equipped with solid wood spoked wheels and a more powerful engine.
Starting at daybreak and following an adventurous drive that requires
considerable improvisational talent from Mrs. Benz and her sons on
numerous occasions, the travellers arrive in Pforzheim. The return drive
five days later leads through Bretten, Bruchsal and Schwetzingen back
to Mannheim. The word of this sensation gets out in no time and Bertha
Benz has achieved her goal. The critics now knew of the vehicle’s
reliability and the Benz Patent Motor Car was the talk of the town.
How it all began 1895: Benz patent motorised omnibus.
The first omnibus with petrol engine
The age of the motorized motor coach dawns on 18 March 1895. The world’s
first motor coach, ordered on 19 December 1894 from Benz & Co. in
Mannheim, begins a scheduled bus service on the route
Siegen–Netphen–Deuz. Due to poor weather and technical problems, the bus
service is stopped as early as December 1895. The Daimler omnibus
experiences the same fate on the Künzelsau–Mergentheim route. Despite
these setbacks, DMG has a wide selection of motor coaches in its sales
range to satisfy the increasing demand for motorised omnibuses starting
in 1905.
How it all began 1896: Daimler 4 hp truck.
The world’s first truck
The first truck built by the Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft is delivered
to the British Motor Syndicate, Ltd. in London on 1 October 1896. The
world’s first truck is equipped with a 2-cylinder “Phoenix” engine built
into the rear end. It develops 4 hp and is designed for a cargo load
capacity of 1500 kg. Unlike England, motorised commercial vehicles are
initially not in high demand in Germany. This changes in 1906, however,
when the Prussian and Bavarian army administrations begin to subsidise
trucks suitable for war – leading to a sharp increase in demand.
The businessman and automobile enthusiast,
who has domiciles in Baden near Vienna and Nice, buys his first Daimler
car in 1897 and from then on demands more powerful and faster vehicles
from Maybach and DMG. With spectacular racing victories and impressive
sales success, Mercedes vehicles usher in a new era.
How it all began 1901: The first Mercedes.
The first contemporary automobile Due to his
premature death, Gottlieb Daimler does not witness one of the most
outstanding designs Maybach produced for the joint company. The first
Mercedes generates great excitement at the “Nice Race Week” in March
1901. It is a powerful, lightweight vehicle with a low centre of gravity
and stands out from all previously built cars. The 35 hp Mercedes is an
independent automobile design. It signals the end for the carriages
used in automobile manufacturing. The development of this pioneering
design, which is considered to the first modern automobile, is not only
attributed to the genius of Wilhelm Maybach, but also to the initiative
of Emil Jellinek.
How it all Began 1909: The three-pointed star on all routes.
From
September 1902 DMG holds the patent for successful “Mercedes” brand
name. All that is missing is a characteristic trademark. That’s when the
sons of Gottlieb Daimler, Paul and Adolf, remember, that their father
previously used a star for a symbol. The DMG Board of Management follows
this inspiration and in June 1909 registers both a three-pointed and
four-pointed star as trademarks. Both logos are legally protected but it
is the three-pointed star that is ultimately used and a
three-dimensional star adorns the front radiator of vehicles from 1910
onwards. With the merging of both companies in June 1926, a new brand
name is created, which combines the essential elements of the previous
emblems.
The
world-famous three-pointed star of the Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft is
framed with the brand name 'Mercedes' as well as with the celebrated
brand name 'Benz' – both words connected with a laurel wreath.
The model 'K' is also on display. Based on
the 12/100/140 hp vehicle, this special model features a shorter
wheelbase and is the fastest touring car in the world. It is added to
the standard sales range in April 1927. The new models bear the new
trademark – the Mercedes Star. The three-pointed star graces Mercedes-Benz vehicles to this day. It has become a global symbol of quality and safety. And the Mercedes-Benz name is universally associated with tradition, innovation – and the future of the motor car.
How it all Began 1926: Daimler-Benz AG.
The merger
The period after World War I is badly affected by inflation and poor
sales figures – especially for luxury goods such as passenger cars. Only
strong brands marketed by financially stable companies are able to
survive. Businesses are often forced into mergers or partnerships.
Competitors for many years, DMG and Benz & Cie. enter into a joint
venture in May 1924. They focus on remaining competitive through
coordinated designs, production techniques, purchasing strategies, sales
and advertising. The joint marketing activities of the “Mercedes” and
“Benz” brands are initially handled by the newly founded “Mercedes-Benz
Automobil GmbH”. The fusion of the two oldest automotive manufacturers
in the world takes place in June 1926 when Daimler-Benz AG is
established. The new company presents the first Daimler-Benz product
range as early as October at the 1926 Berlin Motor Show. The exhibition
sees the unveiling of the first jointly developed passenger car models
launched under the new Mercedes-Benz brand name: The 8/38 hp two-litre car (W 02) and the 12/55 hp three-litre model (W 03).
The German luxury car-manufacturer has been around for more than a century, having elegantly drifted the both smooth and rough curves of automobile history. Responsible for the modern internal combustion engine's genesis, the 'fathers' of the Mercedes-Benz brand practically invented the automobile.
Many years ago when mahogany canes and high-top hats were the ultimate fashion and social prominence statements, two men by the names of Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler were busy freeing the world from horse-powered transportation. The 1886 archetype of the modern engine, their device was not a result of team-work but of independent and synchronous research and development. Although both lived in Southern Germany, they never actually met if historical accounts are to be believed.
Despite the equal share of the two engineer's contribution to the development of the four-stroke petrol engine, it was Gottlieb Daimler who garnered more attention that would eventually lead to world-spread fame. Following Daimler's successful results in racing, a wealthy Austrian business man by the name of Emil Jellinek became interested in the Unterturkheim-built cars. Daimler and his chief-engineer, Wilhelm Maybach's work had pleased Jellinek to the extent of him approaching the two with a business proposal: a large number of cars would be ordered in exchange to a name change from Daimler to Mercedes – Jellinek daughter's name - and the right to alter the car's designs as well as the right to resell the vehicles in some European countries, including Austria, France and Belgium.
Well before the WWI outbreak, Gotllieb Daimler had gained a reputation for his vehicles that was greater than that of Benz. However, the latter would strive to keep up, managing to stay close to Daimler's tail. In 1908, both manufacturers shared the podium with winnings in the French Grand Prix.
After having converted their factories to cater for Army demands during WWI, the two rivals were brought together by a a series of circumstances, dictated by precarious economic status and impossibility of self-support. Thus, the Daimler's Motorengesellshaft merged with Benz & Cie in 1926, morphing into the larger Daimler – Benz AG.
Ever since, Mercedes-Benz cars have been some of the best cars in the world, standing as symbols of flawless quality and cutting edge engineering. In fact, the men behind the brand are responsible for the development of countless improvements that cover every inch of a car's anatomy.
Despite having been widely criticized for alleged forced employment and violation of human rights during the Second World War, Mercedes – Benz have been successful at building an automotive empire, strongly supported by some of the company's far-from-average clients, such as state leaders, media moguls and ridiculously rich families.
Mercedes – Benz have become known particularly for their limousines, most of which can be seen in most movies ever since the Lumiere brothers became famous for their 'little' invention called cinematography. As if outstanding product quality and world fame weren't enough, the Mercedes – Benz team has also fathered tons of innovations, many of them targeting the simple four-cylinder engine.
28 years after Otto revealed his prototype of a four-stroke gasoline engine, Wilhelm Maybach perfected his idea and built an engine for Daimler to be used in boats only. Development of the engine that would eventually propel land, water and air vehicles fulfilling Daimler's dream, took some 8 years before being fitted on the Daimler Phoenix model, the first vehicle in the world to be equipped with such an engine.
Meanwhile, Karl Benz was busy working on a four-cylinder horizontally-opposed piston engine as an improvement of his 1897 contra-design. 1900saw the release of the improved contra-engine and completion of Benz's work at the time. Some of the advantages the horizontal design had over its in-line counterpart were room and dynamics related. The opposed horizontal placement and firing order of the pistons meant very few vibrations, a lower center of gravity as well as more space for fitting other devices like turbo or superchargers.
The early 1900's brought forth a second series of engineering innovations with Maybach's development of the “hammer” engine-design for Daimler that earned its name thanks to its dual-camshaft controlled lateral intake and exhaust valves; Daimler also came up with the Simplex in 1902, a racing car powered by an in-line four cylinder engine that featured overhead intake valves and rod-driven exhaust valves. To ensure low working temperatures, the Simplex design also boasted double walled cylinders to accommodate an even cooling water flow as close as possible to the heat source.
The origins of hybrid vehicles are not as recent as one may think. In fact, they can be traced as far back as the 1900's, when the Mercedes Mixte range was released. These cars used 45 or 70 hp engines to power electrical generators. A special device, or 'hub', was then used to convert the obtained electrical energy into drive power. Built by DMG (Daimler Mottorengesellshaft), the vehicles were quite a hit at the time having won races such as the Exelberg.
Mercedes-Benz is also guilty of breaking a number of speed records, among which ramming the 200 km/h barrier is probably the mots notable. The idea of a vehicle that could reach such a speed as early as 1909 seems far fetched today but Benz's Lightning stands proof. Such a performance could only be achieved by displacement growth at the time and despite its lean-sounding name, the Lightning was a monster powered by a 21.5 liter engine.
After several other improvements like the introduction of 3-valve dual-ignition and 4-valve engines, DMG would set foot in the turbocharger era. The company's early involvement in aero-engine construction paid of in 1921 when an engine based on WWI aero-designs was developed by Paul Daimler.
As far as diesel trucks go, Benz did it first. The OB 2 diesel engine was revealed in 1923 and 1924 saw the release of the world's first diesel truck. Soon after Daimler and Benz joined hands in a profitable twirl of brilliant inventions, the 260 D model would premier in 1936: it was the world's first diesel-run passenger car. As expected, several improvements on the 260 D would follow. However, the German manufacturer's quests for leaner diesel engines would soon be hampered by the WWII outbreak.
After taking a forced and most unwelcome break from passenger-car making and engine research during the war, Mercedes – Benz resumed their activities, releasing the 170 V model in 1946. Based on the 260 D, the 4-cylinder 1.7 engine it was equipped with predated the release of the 170 D in 1949, a car that reignited customer's interest in the brand while ensuring the company's comeback.
During the 50's, Mercedes – Benz produced some of their best looking cars ever such as the 190 and 300 SL. The first was a compact roadster that garnered acclaim after setting a new world diesel record in 1959. The latter is none other then the famous gull-winged model that is apparently making a comeback through the SLC model that is still to be revealed. Besides its stunning looks, the 300 SL was the first production vehicle to benefit from early fuel-injection technology.
By the time the 80's came, the world had already grown concerned with the effects of CO2 emissions and overall car pollution. Mercedes – Benz were among the first to comply with regulations through the introduction of the closed-loop three-way catalytic converter in 1985. With this and several oil-filter changes, like easy from-above access, Mercedes – Benz vehicles went further to become even more advanced.
By the early 1990's, their diesel car range had completely switched to four-valve intake/exhaust systems and carburetors were dropped in favor of fuel injection systems. A few years later, Mercedes – Benz moved into developing superchargers which it did through the release of the C 230 Kompressor.
After marking a new era in mechanical supercharging technology, Mercedes went on to cross new borders through the release of new engineering concepts and ground breaking designs. The BlueTec system unveiled in 2005 was developed with only one though in mind: cutting CO2 emissions, achievement made possible through the use of SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction). Two other notable events occurred the same year with the release of the A 200 Turbo engine for the A-Klasse and the organic-looking Bionic concept.
Mercedes – Benz was the first to fit ABS and ESP systems on its cars and lately it has truly crossed the line with the DiesOtto engine which premiered at the 2004 Frankurt Moto Show. The DiesOtto boasts variable combustion chambers while delivering the advantages of both gasoline and diesel drives. Its CAI (Controlled Auto Ignition) allows the spark plugs to stop firing at higher temperatures when fuel, gasoline in this case, can be ignited the same way diesel can. The route researchers have taken to achieve variable combustion chambers remains unveiled yet although it is sure to be made public in a few years from now when the DiesOtto is likely to start replacing regular engines.
Karl Benz. Benz made the 1886 Benz Patent Motorwagen, which is widely regarded as the first automobile.
Gottlieb Daimler, founder of Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft.
For information relating to the famous three-pointed star, see under the title Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft including the merger into Daimler-Benz.
Subsidiaries and alliances
As part of the Daimler AG company, the Mercedes-Benz Cars division includes Mercedes-Benz and Smart car production.Mercedes-AMG
Mercedes-AMG became a majority owned division of Mercedes-Benz in 1999.The company was integrated into DaimlerChrysler in 1999, and became Mercedes-Benz AMG beginning on 1 January 1999.Maybach
Daimler's ultra-luxury brand Maybach was under Mercedes-Benz cars division until 2013, when the production stopped due to poor sales volumes. It now exists under the Mercedes-Maybach name, with the models being ultra-luxury versions of Mercedes cars, such as the 2016 Mercedes-Maybach S600.China
Daimler coorporates with BYD Auto to make and sell a battery-electric car called Denza in China.in 2016, Daimler announced plans to sell Mercedes-Benz branded all-electric battery cars in China.ProductionFactories
Beside its native Germany, Mercedes-Benz vehicles are also manufactured or assembled in:| Sovereign state | Continent | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Algeria | Africa | Manufactures buses and trucks in cooperation with SNVI (Actros, Zetros, Unimog, and G-Class, Sprinter). |
| Argentina | South America | Manufactures buses, trucks and the Sprinter van. This is the first Mercedes-Benz factory outside of Germany. Built in 1951. |
| Austria | Europe | G-Class |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | Europe | |
| Brazil | South America | Manufactures trucks and buses. Established in 1956. The A-Class (W168) was produced from 1999 to 2005 and the C-Class was produced until 2010 as well. |
| Canada | North America | Fuel cell plant in Burnaby, British Columbia opened 2012. |
| Colombia | South America | Assembly of buses, Established in Soacha 2012 and Funza 2015 |
| China | Asia | |
| Egypt | Africa | Via Egyptian German Automotive Company E-Class, C-Class and GLK |
| Finland | Europe | New A-series (W176) is manufactured in Uusikaupunki since late 2013, being the first M-B passenger car ever built in that country |
| Hungary[17] | Europe | |
| Jordan | Asia | Bus company factory, Elba House, Amman. |
| India | Asia | Bangalore (MBRDI), Pune (Passenger cars).Chennai (Daimler India Commercial Vehicles Pvt. Ltd.) Buses, Trucks & Engine Manufacturing unit. |
| Indonesia[19] | Asia / Australia | |
| Iran [20] | Asia | |
| Malaysia | Asia | Assembly of C, E and S class vehicles by DRB-HICOM. |
| Mexico | North America | Mercedes-Benz Mexico fully manufactures some Mercedes and Daimler vehicles completely from locally built parts (C-Class, E-Class, M-Class, International trucks, Axor, Atego, and Mercedes Buses), manufactures other models in complete knock down kits (CL-Class, CLK-Class, SL-Class, SLK-Class) and manufactures a select number of models in semi knockdown kits which use both imported components and locally sourced Mexican components (S-Class, CLS-Class, R-Class, GL-Class, Sprinter). |
| Nigeria | Africa | Assembly of buses, trucks, utility motors and the Sprinter van |
| Philippines | Asia | |
| Russia | Eurasia | Joint venture Mercedes-Benz Car Trucks Vostok in Naberezhnye Chelny (jointly Kamaz). Available in trucks Actros, Axor, multi-purpose auto four wheel drive medium trucks Unimog. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Classic is also produced in Russia. |
| Serbia | Europe | FAP produces Mercedes-Benz trucks under license. |
| Spain | Europe | Factory at Vitoria-Gasteiz Mercedes-Benz Vito, Viano and V-Class have been built there. |
| South Africa[22] | Africa | The assembly plant is located in East London, in the Eastern Cape province, where both right and left hand versions of the C-class are built. |
| South Korea | Asia | Mercedes-Benz Musso and MB100 models manufactured by SsangYong Motor Company. |
| Thailand | Asia | Assembly of C, E and S class vehicles by the Thonburi Group |
| Turkey | Eurasia | Mercedes-Benz Türk A.Ş. |
| United Kingdom | Europe | The SLR sports car was built at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking. Brackley, Northamptonshire, is home to the Mercedes Grand Prix factory, and Brixworth, Northamptonshire is the location of Mercedes-Benz HighPerformanceEngines |
| United States | North America | The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Sport Utility and the full-sized GL-Class Luxury Sport Utility Vehicle are all built at the Mercedes-Benz U.S. International production facility near Tuscaloosa, Alabama.Trucks (6,000 per year in the early eighties) were once assembled in Hampton, VA. |
| Vietnam | Asia | Assembly of E-Class, C-Class, S-Class, GLK-Class and Sprinter. Established in 1995. |
Quality rankings
Since its inception, Mercedes-Benz had maintained a reputation for its quality and durability. Objective measures looking at passenger vehicles, such as J. D. Power surveys, demonstrated a downturn in reputation in these criteria in the late 1990s and early 2000s. By mid-2005, Mercedes temporarily returned to the industry average for initial quality, a measure of problems after the first 90 days of ownership, according to J. D. Power.In J. D. Power's Initial Quality Study for the first quarter of 2007, Mercedes showed dramatic improvement by climbing from 25th to 5th place and earning several awards for its models.For 2008, Mercedes-Benz's initial quality rating improved by yet another mark, to fourth place.On top of this accolade, it also received the Platinum Plant Quality Award for its Mercedes’ Sindelfingen, Germany assembly plant.J. D. Power's 2011 US Initial Quality and Vehicle Dependability Studies both ranked Mercedes-Benz vehicles above average in build quality and reliability. In the 2011 UK J. D. Power Survey, Mercedes cars were rated above average.A 2014 iSeeCars.com study for Reuters found Mercedes to have the lowest vehicle recall rate.Models
See also: List of Mercedes-Benz vehicles
Mercedes-Benz A-Class (compact)
Mercedes-Benz B-Class (Tourer)
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (luxury sedan)
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG (supercar)
Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class (luxury SUV)
Current model range
Mercedes-Benz offers a full range of passenger, light commercial and heavy commercial equipment. Vehicles are manufactured in multiple countries worldwide. The Smart marque of city cars are also produced by Daimler AG.- A-Class – Hatchback
- B-Class – Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
- C-Class – Saloon, Estate, Coupé and Cabriolet
- CLA-Class – 4 Door Coupé and Estate
- CLS-Class – 4 Door Coupé and Estate
- E-Class – Saloon, Estate, Coupé and Cabriolet
- G-Class – Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV)
- GLA-Class – Compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV)/ Crossover
- GLC-Class – Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV)
- GLE-Class – Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV)
- GLS-Class – Large Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV)
- S-Class – Luxury Saloon, Coupé & Cabriolet
- SL-Class – Grand Tourer
- SLC-Class – Roadster
- V-Class – Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV)/ Van
- AMG GT – Sports car/ Supercar
Vans
Trucks
See also: List of Mercedes-Benz trucks
Mercedes-Benz Zetros used for snowplowing
Unimog, a famous allround vehicle by Mercedes-Benz
Buses
Main article: Mercedes-Benz buses
Mercedes-Benz produces a wide range of buses and coaches, mainly for
Europe and Asia. The first model was produced by Karl Benz in 1895.Significant models produced
- 1928: SSK racing car
- 1930: 770 "Großer Mercedes" state and ceremonial car
- 1934: 500 K
- 1936: 260 D World's first diesel production car
- 1936: 170
- 1938: W195 Speed Record-breaker
- 1939: 320A A military vehicle
- 1951: 300, known as the "Adenauer Mercedes"
- 1953: "Ponton" models
- 1954: 300SL "Gullwing"
- 1956: 190SL
- 1959: "Fintail" models
- 1960: 220SE Cabriolet
- 1963: 600 "Grand Mercedes"
- 1963: 230SL "Pagoda"
- 1965: S-Class
- 1966: 300SEL 6.3
- 1968: W114 "new generation" compact cars
- 1969: C111 experimental vehicle
- 1972: W107 350SL
- 1974: 450SEL 6.9
- 1977: W123- Mercedes' first station wagon
- 1978: 300SD - Mercedes' first turbo diesel
- 1979: 500SEL and G-Class
- 1983: 190E 2.3–16
- 1989: 300SL, 500SL
- 1990: 500E
- 1991: 600SEL
- 1993: C-Class
- 1995: C43 AMG
- 1995: SL73 AMG, 7.3 V12
- 1996: SLK
- 1997: A-Class and M-Class
- 2004: SLR McLaren and CLS-Class
- 2007: BlueTec E320, GL320 Bluetec, ML320 Bluetec, R320 Bluetec
- 2010: SLS AMG
- 2013: CLA-Class
- 2016: AMG GT
Car nomenclature
Until 1994, Mercedes-Benz utilized an alphanumeric system for categorizing their vehicles, consisting of a number sequence approximately equal to the engine's displacement in liters multiplied by 100, followed by an arrangement of alphabetical suffixes indicating body style and engine type.- "C" indicates a coupe or cabriolet body style (for example, the CL and CLK models, though the C-Class is an exception, since it is also available as a sedan or station wagon).
- "D" indicates the vehicle is equipped with a diesel engine.
- "E" (for "Einspritzung") indicates the vehicle's engine is equipped with petrol fuel injection. In most cases (the 600 limousine and Mercedes E-Class being the exceptions), if neither "E" or "D" is present, the vehicle has a petrol engine with a carburettor.
- "G" was originally used for the Geländewagen off-road vehicle, but is now applied to Mercedes SUVs in general (for example, the GLA and GLK).
- "K" was used in the 1930s, indicating a supercharger ("Kompressor") equipped engine. Two exceptions : the SSK and CLK, where K indicates "Kurz" (short-wheelbase).
- "L" indicates "Leicht" (lightweight) for sporting models, and "Lang" (long-wheelbase) for sedan models.
- "R" indicates "Rennen" (racing), used for racing cars (for example, the 300SLR).
- "S" Sonderklasse "Special class" for flagship models, including the S-Class, and the SL-Class, SLR McLaren and SLS sportscars.
- "T" indicates "Touring" and an estate (or station wagon) body style.
For the 1994 model year, Mercedes-Benz revised the naming system. Models were divided into "classes" denoted by an arrangement of up to three letters (see "Current model range" above), followed by a three-digit (or two-digit for AMG models, with the number approximately equal to the displacement in litres multiplied by 10) number related to the engine displacement as before. Variants of the same model such as an estate version or a vehicle with a diesel engine are no longer given a separate letter. The SLR, SLS and GT supercars do not carry a numerical designation.
Today, many numerical designations no longer reflect the engine's actual displacement but more of the relative performance and marketing position. Despite its engine displacement in two litres, the powerplant in the A45 AMG produces 355 brake horsepower so the designation is higher as to indicate the greater performance. Another example is the E250 CGI having greater performance than the E200 CGI due to the different engine tuning even though both have 1.8-litre engines. From the marketing perspective, E200 seems more "upscale" than E180. Recent AMG models use the "63" designation (in honor of the 1960s 6.3-litre M100 engine) despite being equipped with either a 6.2-litre (M156) or 5.5-litre (M157) engine.
Some models carry further designations indicating special features:
- "4MATIC" indicates the vehicle is equipped with all-wheel-drive.
- "BlueTEC" indicates a diesel engine with selective catalytic reduction exhaust aftertreatment.
- "BlueEFFICIENCY" indicates special fuel economy features (direct injection, start-stop system, aerodynamic modifications, etc.)
- "CGI" (Charged Gasoline Injection) indicates direct gasoline injection.
- "CDI" (Common-rail Direct Injection) indicates a common-rail diesel engine.
- "Hybrid" indicates a petrol- or diesel-electric hybrid.
- "NGT" indicates a natural gas-fueled engine.
- "Kompressor" indicates a supercharged engine.
- "Turbo" indicates a turbocharged engine, only used on A-, B-,E- and GLK-Class models.
- "AMG Line" indicates the interior or engine, depending which car, has been fitted with the luxuries of their AMG sports cars
2015 and beyond
Rationalisation of the model nomenclature was announced in November 2014 for future models.The changes consolidate many confusing nomenclature and their placements in the model range such as CL-Class is now called the S-Class Coupé. The naming structure is divided into four categories: core, off-road vehicle/SUV, 4-door coupé, and roadster. AMG GT, and V-Class are unaffected by the change.| Core | Off-Road Vehicles/SUV | 4-Door Coupé | Roadster |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | GLA | CLA | |
| B | |||
| C | GLC (GLK) | SLC (SLK) | |
| E | GLE (ML) | CLS | |
| S | GLS (GL) | SL | |
| N/A | G | N/A | N/A |
In addition to the revised nomenclature, Mercedes-Benz has new nomenclature for the drive systems.
| Current | New | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Gas Drive | c for "compressed natural gas" | B 200 c |
| BlueTec CDI | d for "diesel" | E 350 d GLA 200 d |
| PLUG-IN HYBRID Electric Drive | e for "electric" | S 500 e B 250 e |
| Fuel Cell | f for "fuel cell" | B 200 f |
| HYBRID BlueTEC HYBRID | h for "hybrid" | S 400 h E 300 h |
| 4MATIC | 4MATIC | E 400 4MATIC |
Environmental record
Mercedes-Benz has developed multi concept cars with alternative propulsion, such as hybrid-electric, fully electric, and fuel-cell powertrains. At the 2007 Frankfurt motor show, Mercedes-Benz showed seven hybrid models, including the F700 concept car, powered by a hybrid-electric drivetrain featuring the DiesOtto engine. In 2009, Mercedes-Benz displayed three BlueZERO concepts at the North American International Auto Show. Each car features a different powertrain - battery-electric, fuel-cell electric, and gasoline-electric hybrid.In the same year, Mercedes also showed the Vision S500 PHEV concept with a 19 miles (31 km) all-electric range and CO2 emissions of 74 grams/km in the New European Driving Cycle.Since 2002, Mercedes-Benz has developed the F-Cell fuel cell vehicle. The current version, based on the B-Class, has a 250-mile range and is available for lease, with volume production scheduled to begin in 2014. Mercedes has also announced the SLS AMG E-Cell, a fully electric version of the SLS sports car, with deliveries expected in 2013.[46] The Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHYBRID was launched in 2009, and is the first production automotive hybrid in the world to use a lithium-ion battery.In mid-2010, production commenced on the Vito E-Cell all-electric van. Mercedes expects 100 vehicles to be produced by the end of 2010 and a further 2000 by the end of 2011.
In 2008, Mercedes-Benz announced that it would have a demonstration fleet of small electric cars in two to three years.Mercedes-Benz and Smart are preparing for the widespread uptake of electric vehicles (EVs) in the UK by beginning the installation of recharging points across their dealer networks. So far 20 Elektrobay recharging units, produced in the UK by Brighton-based Elektromotive, have been installed at seven locations as part of a pilot project, and further expansion of the initiative is planned later in 2010.
In the United States, Mercedes-Benz was assessed a record US$30.66 million fine for their decision to not meet the federal corporate average fuel economy standard in 2009.Certain Mercedes-Benz cars, including the S550 and all AMG models sold in the United States, also face an additional gas guzzler tax.However, newer AMG models fitted with the M157 engine will not be subject to the gas-guzzler tax, due to improved fuel economy,and newer models powered by the M276 and M278 engines will have better fuel economy. In 2008, Mercedes also had the worst CO2 average of all major European manufacturers, ranking 14th out of 14 manufacturers.Mercedes was also the worst manufacturer in 2007 and 2006 in terms of average CO2 levels, with 181 g and 188 g of CO2 emitted per km, respectively.
Bicycles
Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH introduced three new bicycles in 2005,and the range has developed to include the patent pending Foldingbike in 2007.Other models include the Mercedes-Benz Carbon Bike,Trekking Bike,Fitness Bikeand the Trailblazer Bike.Motorsport
Main article: Mercedes-Benz in motorsport
A DMG Mercedes Simplex 1906 in the Deutsches Museum
Although there was some activity in the intervening years, it was not until 1987 that Mercedes-Benz returned to front line competition, returning to Le Mans, Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM), and Formula One with Sauber. The 1990s saw Mercedes-Benz purchase British engine builder Ilmor (now Mercedes-Benz High Performance Engines), and campaign IndyCars under the USAC/CART rules, eventually winning the 1994 Indianapolis 500 and 1994 CART IndyCar World Series Championship with Al Unser, Jr. at the wheel. The 1990s also saw the return of Mercedes-Benz to GT racing, and the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR, both of which took the company to new heights by dominating the FIA's GT1 class.
Mercedes-Benz is currently active in four motorsport categories, Formula Three, DTM, Formula One and GT3.
Formula One
Main article: Mercedes-Benz in Formula One
Mercedes-Benz took part in the world championship in 1954 and 1955,
but despite being successful with two championship titles for Juan-Manuel Fangio, the company left the sport after just two seasons. Fangio is considered by many to be the best F1 driver in history.Mercedes-Benz returned as an engine supplier in the 1990s and part-owned Team McLaren for some years, to which it has supplied engines engineered by Ilmor since 1995. This partnership brought success, including drivers championships for Mika Häkkinen in 1998 and 1999, and for Lewis Hamilton in 2008, as well as a constructors championship in 1998. The collaboration with McLaren had been extended into the production of roadgoing cars such as the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren.
In 2007, McLaren-Mercedes was fined a record US$100 million for stealing confidential Ferrari technical data.
In 2009, Ross Brawn's newly conceived Formula One team, Brawn GP used Mercedes engines to help win the constructor's championship, and Jenson Button to become champion in the F1 drivers' championship. At the end of the season, Mercedes-Benz sold its 40% stake in McLaren to the McLaren Group and bought 70% of the Brawn GP team jointly with an Abu Dhabi-based investment consortium. Brawn GP was renamed Mercedes GP for the 2010 season and is, from this season on, a works team for Mercedes-Benz. As of 2015, the company currently provides engines to the Williams F1 Team, Sahara Force India F1 Team and the Lotus F1 Team.
In 2014, Mercedes clinched its first F1 Constructor's title with drivers Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg with 3 races to go, after dominating much of the season. Mercedes repeated its dominance in 2015 in similar fashion, losing only 3 races out of 19 once again.
Logo history
In June 1909, Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG) registered both a three-pointed and a four-pointed star as trademarks, but only the three-pointed star was used. To DMG, the star symbolized Adolf Daimler's aims for universal motorization: on land, water and in the air.[70]-
1902-1909 -
1909-1916 -
1916-1926 -
1926-current -
1980-current -
1990-current
Noted employees
- Paul Bracq – major designer of automobiles in the 20th century
- Béla Barényi – car safety pioneer (rigid passenger safety shell), joined Daimler-Benz in 1937[71]
- Wilhelm Maybach – automotive pioneer, first met Gottlieb Daimler in 1865[72]
- Ferdinand Porsche – founder of Porsche, joined Mercedes in 1923 and developed the Kompressor [73]
- Bruno Sacco – joined Daimler-Benz as a designer in 1958. Head of Design in 1975, retired in 1999[74]
- Rudolf Uhlenhaut – joined Daimler-Benz in 1931, his designs included the Silver Arrows, the 300 SL and 300SLR[75]
- Adolf Eichmann – former Nazi criminal. Worked in Argentina's factory after WWII[76]
- Rudolf Caracciola – one of the greatest GP drivers in history drove MB Silver Arrows in competition.
- Josef Ganz - Technical consultant and "Godfather" of the *Mercedes-Benz W136, with the revolutionary Independent suspension, Swing axle layout.
- Juan Manuel Fangio - Five time Formula 1 World Champion, honorary president of Mercedes-Benz Argentina from 1987 until his death in 1995.
- Michael Schumacher - Seven time Formula 1 World Champion, drove for Mercedes in the World Endurance Championship in the 80s and then in their Formula One Team from 2010 till 2012.
Innovations
Numerous technological innovations have been introduced on Mercedes-Benz automobiles throughout the many years of their production, including:- The internal combustion engine automobile was developed independently by Benz and Daimler & Maybach in 1886
- Daimler invented the honeycomb radiator of the type still used on all water-cooled vehicles today
- Daimler invented the float carburetor which was used until replaced by fuel injection
- The "drop chassis" – the car originally designated the "Mercedes" by Daimler was also the first car with a modern configuration, having the carriage lowered and set between the front and rear wheels, with a front engine and powered rear wheels. All earlier cars were "horseless carriages", which had high centres of gravity and various engine/drive-train configurations
- The first passenger road car to have brakes on all four wheels (1924)
- In 1936, the Mercedes-Benz 260 D was the first diesel-powered passenger car.
- Mercedes-Benz were the first to offer direct fuel injection on the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing
- The "safety cage" or "safety cell" construction with front and rear crumple zones was first developed by Mercedes-Benz in 1951. This is considered by many as the most important innovation in automobile construction from a safety standpoint[7][verification needed]
- In 1959, Mercedes-Benz patented a device that prevents drive wheels from spinning by intervening at the engine, transmission, or brakes. In 1987, Mercedes-Benz applied its patent by introducing a traction control system that worked under both braking and acceleration
- an Anti-Lock Brake system (ABS) was first offered on the W116 450SEL 6.9. They became standard on the W126 S-Class starting production in 1979 and first sold in most markets in 1980.
- Airbags were first introduced in the European market, beginning with model year 1981 S-Class.
- Mercedes-Benz was the first to introduce pre-tensioners to seat belts on the 1981 S-Class. In the event of a crash, a pre-tensioner will tighten the belt instantaneously, removing any 'slack' in the belt, which prevents the occupant from jerking forward in a crash
- In September 2003, Mercedes-Benz introduced the world's first seven-speed automatic transmission called '7G-Tronic'
- Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), brake assist,and many other types of safety equipment were all developed, tested, and implemented into passenger cars – first – by Mercedes-Benz. Mercedes-Benz has not made a large fuss about its innovations, and has even licensed them for use by competitors – in the name of improving automobile and passenger safety. As a result, crumple zones and anti-lock brakes (ABS) are now standard on all modern vehicles.[7][verification needed]
Mercedes M156 engine
- The (W211) E320 CDI which has a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) 3.0-litre V6 common rail diesel engine (producing 224 hp or 167 kW), set three world endurance records. It covered 100,000 miles (160,000 km) in a record time, with an average speed of 224.823 km/h (139.70 mph). Three identical cars did the endurance run (one set above record) and the other two cars set world records for time taken to cover 100,000 kilometres (62,137 mi) and 50,000 miles (80,000 km) respectively. After all three cars had completed the run, their combined distance was 300,000 miles (480,000 km) (all records were FIA approved).[79][clarification needed]
- Mercedes-Benz pioneered a system called Pre-Safe to detect an imminent crash – and prepares the car's safety systems to respond optimally. It also calculates the optimal braking force required to avoid an accident in emergency situations, and makes it immediately available for when the driver depresses the brake pedal. Occupants are also prepared by tightening the seat belt, closing the sunroof and windows, and moving the seats into the optimal position.
- At 181 horsepower per litre, the M133 engine installed in Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG is the most powerful series production four-cylinder turbocharged motor (as of June 2013) and has one of the highest power density for a passenger vehicle.[80]
Robot cars
Main article: Driverless car
In the 1980s, Mercedes built the world's first robot car, together with the team of Professor Ernst Dickmanns at Bundeswehr University Munich.[81] Partially encouraged by Dickmanns' success, in 1987 the European Union's EUREKA programme initiated the Prometheus Project
on autonomous vehicles, funded to the tune of nearly €800 million. A
culmination point was achieved in 1995, when Dickmanns' re-engineered
autonomous S-Class Mercedes took a long trip from Munich in Bavaria to Copenhagen
in Denmark, and back. On highways, the robot achieved speeds exceeding
175 km/h (109 mph) (permissible in some areas of the German Autobahn). The car's abilities has heavily influenced robot car research and funding decisions worldwide.As for the future of Mercedes-Benz Robot Cars, in October 2015, the company introduced the Vision Tokyo, a five-seat electric van powered by a hybrid hydrogen fuel-cell systerm. The super-sleek van is touted as "a chill-out zone in the midst of megacity traffic mayhem."
Tuners
Several companies have become car tuners (or modifiers) of Mercedes Benz, in order to increase performance and/or luxury to a given model.AMG is Mercedes-Benz's in-house performance-tuning division, specialising in high-performance versions of most Mercedes-Benz cars. AMG engines are all hand-built,and each completed engine receives a tag with the signature of the engineer who built it. AMG has been wholly owned by Mercedes-Benz since 1999.The 2009 SLS AMG, a revival of the 300SL Gullwing, is the first car to be entirely developed by AMG.
There are numerous independent tuners including Brabus, Carlsson, Kleemann and Renntech.
Sponsorships
Mercedes-Benz is sponsoring the German national football team.
See also
References
|access-date= (help)Established in 1995...Mercedes-Benz Vietnam....supplies both passenger cars and commercial vehicles to the market.
Fonte: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
https://www.mercedes-benz.com/en/mercedes-benz/classic/history/corporate-history/
By Km Rodados -Brazil -Rio das Ostras-RJ
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