Luxury Meets Performance: The History of Mercedes-Benz
Like that of all global brands, Mercedes-Benz history is long and storied. Complete with dazzling innovations, periods of hardship, and strong characters, our brand’s legacy is complex and riveting. Did you know that Mercedes-Benz history includes the invention of the very first petrol car? Today, this pioneering brand has grown into an industry giant. Did you know Mercedes-Benz manufactures cars on six continents? Step outside the small world of our dealership and into the larger universe of Mercedes-Benz. Additionally, our vehicles span markets, from luxury cruisers to utility trucks capable of pulling enormous loads.
Read on and dive into Mercedes-Benz history, from a small German invention to a globe-spanning brand.
Illustrious Beginnings
In 1886, German engineer Karl Benz patented the first ever petrol car, the Benz-Patent Motorwagon. His business partner and wife, Bertha Benz, funded the patent and development of the design. The car hit the market in 1901, and European automaker Emil Jellinek named the design for his daughter, Mercedes. Additionally, it was Jellinek who marketed the “horseless” automobile among high society circles in Europe. This was the beginning of the luxury image that would infuse the brand for over a century. The cars began selling in the US as well, marketed to billionaires such as the Rothschild and Taylors.
Additionally, Jellinek drove the prized cars in races around the world, driving under the pseudonym “Monsieur Mercedes.” He brought acclaim and status to the vehicles he raced. The name “Mercedes-Benz” was also coined at the race circuit, and the first cars sold under this brand name in 1926 after a merger of two companies.
Rising to the Top
Throughout the 20th century, Mercedes-Benz history is full of leaps and bounds in automotive innovation. From 1930 to 1943, the Mercedes-Benz 770 was the height of fashion across all of Europe and much of America. In 1979, we pioneered Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS), which are now standard for all cars on the road. Furthermore, in 1981, Mercedes-Benz introduced airbags to its models, another safety feature present in every vehicle today. The same year, we were the first to introduce pre-tensioners to seat belts, quickly tightening the belt in the event of a crash.
Today: A World Leader
Over a century of Mercedes-Benz history has culminated in what you see at our dealership every day. World class cars, built with superior craftsmanship and built to last. We pride ourselves on safety, performance, and design, and each car is lovingly created by hand. In addition, we are pushing ahead to the future. With 8 battery factories in operation around the globe, we are leading the charge toward electric vehicles. Our cutting-edge technology ensures safety and efficiency for all of our drivers. Finally, we go beyond designing perfect cars. We staff our dealerships with a perfect staff. We create a meaningful experience for every client, big or small. That’s why, after over 130 years in business, we still deliver the best or nothing.
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