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The three-pointed star symbol of this German auto maker is perhaps the most recognized and powerful character in the automobile world. Mercedes Company is the world’s oldest automobile brand existing today, rolling out its first vehicle in 1886. Mercedes-Benz, a symbol of luxury offers a wide range of cars in the industry today. Read on to gather more info on Mercedes Benz history, which is the prime focus of the page.
Mercedes-Benz, a division of Daimler AG, was officially introduced in 1972. We can trace back its origin to the first petrol-powered car in the world by Karl Benz. The car was first promoted by Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft in 1901, although it was in 1926, that the firs vehicle with Mercedes-Benz brand name got manufactured. Mercedes Benz Cars were known to introduce much superior technological and safety advancement that were followed by other vehicles later. Today, the brand is one of the most famous and well established automotive brands in the world. You will come across a range of Mercedes Benz Classic Cars in almost every corner of the world.
The Name behind Mercedes Benz Cars
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The Mercedes series were designed and built by Wilhelm Maybach. Looking in Mercedes Benz history, the origin of their name lies in a 1900 engine, that was named after the daughter of one of DMG’s directors, Emil Jellinek. Jellinek ordered a couple of race cars to be built as per his specifications by Maybach and was specific that the engine must be called Daimler-Mercedes, Merced being the name of his daughter. This is how the name became famous through motorsports and later the race car was known as Mercedes 35 hp. It was in 1902 that the first models bearing the name Mercedes were produced. With its low center of gravity, lightweight, high-performance engine and honeycomb radiator, it supported latest innovations and is looked upon as the first modern automobile.
It was on June 23, 1902, to be exact, that the ‘Mercédès’ name was lodged as the trade name and was legally registered on September 26. It is interesting to know that in1903, Emil Jellinek sought permission to be known as Jellinek-Mercedes, and commented that it was probably the first time in history that a father has taken his daughter’s name.
The Birth of the Star
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Although DMG now had a successful and flourishing brand name, but a characteristic trademark was still missing. Paul and Adolf Daimler, who were the two sons of the company founder, were now working as senior executives at DMG. They remembered that their father had once used a star as a symbol. They proposed the idea to the DMG board, who right away accepted the suggestion. Hence, in 1909, the three-pointed as well as a four-pointed star were indexed as brand mark for Mercedes. The three-pointed star that adorned the radiator at the front of the car was supposed to represent Daimler’s objective of global motorization
Over the years, small variations were made as we trace Mercedes Benz history. The tips of the star were surrounded by a circle, with the word Mercedes integrated. DMG applied for legal protection in 1921 for the trademark – a three-dimensional three-pointed star enclosed in a circle. In August 1923, the symbol was registered and became a proud logo for the Mercedes Benz Cars
Production & Factories for Mercedes Benz Classic Cars
Besides Germany, which is its native country, Mercedes-Benz cars are also manufactured or assembled in other countries , like, Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Egypt , Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, United States, United Kingdom, Philippines, Russia, Spain, South Africa, South Korea and a couple more.
The first factory to be put up outside Germany was in Argentina after WWII.
Range of Models in Mercedes Benz Cars
Mercedes-Benz covers a complete range of passenger vehicles, both light and heavy commercial equipment. Manufactured in a large number of countries worldwide, you will find a long list in Mercedes-Benz cars like, A-Class, B-Class, C-Class, CL-Class, E-Class, G-Class, M-Class, R-Class, S-Class and Viano. The range of Mercedes Benz Classic Cars remains synonymous for luxury and comfort.
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You will also find trucks, buses and vans manufactured by Mercedes-Benz.
Mercedes-Benz Cars in motorsport
When the brand Mercedes-Benz came up in1926, after merging two companies, it is essential to note that both these companies had enjoyed a share of success in the new motor racing sport, independently. They were both part of the very first automobile race Paris to Rouen 1894. Hence, ti came as no surprise to see company getting involved in a range of motorsport activities throughout its long history.
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Its glorious history is marred by just one incident of the 1955 Le Mans disaster, where 80 spectators were killed as Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR crashed with another sports car. This incident made Mercedes-Benz to withdraw completely from motorsport on numerous occasions.
Mercedes-Benz first took part in the Formula 1 world championship in 1954 and 1955, where it bagged two championship titles. Currently, the brand remains active in Formula One, Formula Three and DTM.
We are sure you found Mercedes Benz history a log and interesting one.
You can take a quick tour of its history here:
You may also enjoy watching this promotional video on Mercedes-Benz:
