Mercedes-Benz

Karl Benz founds Benz & Co. Rheinische Gasmotoren-Fabrik

Oct 1, 1883

Later renamed Benz & Cie. the company was immediately successful and soon had 25 employees. Soon they became the second largest engine producer in Germany and the largest producer of automobiles in the world.

Gottlieb Daimler develops a internal combustion engine.

Apr 3, 1885

After completing time in a engineering school and working as a workshop inspector at a machine tool factory. Later he became the Technical Director of the gas engine manufacturer Deutz Gasmotorenfabrik. Working with Wilhelm Maybach, Daimler builds an eternal combustion engine known as "Grandfather Clock".

Daimler invents the Motorcycle

Aug 28, 1885

The Daimler Reitwagen uses the concept of the grandfather clock engine on a vertical, two wheeled vehicle.

First Car is Built

Jul 3, 1886

Karl Benz builds first motor powered car ever. It is called the Benz Patent-Motorwagen.

Wilhelm Maybach and Gottlieb Daimler Found DMG

1890

Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG) is founded by close friends Maybach and Daimler. They quickly become a competitive, belt driven, automobile producer.

Benz & Co. and DMG build omnibuses

Mar 18, 1895

It was essentially a coach with a motor attached to it. These were used as a bus service. Both companies omnibuses became very successful despite technical and weather related setbacks.

DMG builds the worlds first truck

Oct 1, 1896

The truck was equipped with a two cylinder 4 hp engine and could carry a load of up to 1500 kg. It is initially very popular in London.

DMG builds the first Mercedes

1901

After Daimlers passing, Maybach designs a contemporary idea of the automobile. The car gains excitement at a race week in 1901. The powerful, light, and low centered vehicle was capable of producing 35 hp. It marked the end of the carriage vehicles.

Logo from 1902-1909

1902

Logo from 1909-1916

1909

Logo from 1916-1926

1916

WWI forces Benz & Cie. and DMG into merger

1926

After years of being competitors and the worlds oldest and most influnal car manufactures combine to create one company. Mercedes and Benz are highlighted during the merger.

Logo from 1926-1980

1926

Significant models: 1928 SSK racing car

1928

Designed by Ferdinand Porsche before he left to found his own company. The SSK was the fastest car of its day with a top speed of 120 mph.

Significant models: 1930 770 "Großer Mercedes" state and ceremonial car

1930

Used by state and government officials during and before WWII.

Significant models: 1934 500K

1934

This was a touring style car designed for a target market of female drivers.

Significant models: 1936 260 D

1936

Worlds first diesel car.

Significant models: 1938 W125

1938

Record Breaking experimental car. Broke many speed records with a top speed of 268 mph.

Significant models: 1954 300SL

1954

Was a popular sports car and became a racing legend. This is one of Mercedes most recognizable cars. It could reach a top speed of 163 mph

Significant models: 1963 600 "Grand Mercedes"

1963

Ultra luxury vehicle. It was a sedan or limousine that was competitive with some models of Rolls Royce and Bentley.

Creation of the S-Class

1965

This class is a line of luxury sedans and limousines. This class is still in production today.

Significant models: 1977 W123

1977

This became known as Mercedes-Benz's first station wagon.

Creation of the G-Class

1979

This is a luxury SUV commonly known as the G Wagon. It has a boxy styling and was first produced for military uses.

Logo from 1980-1990

1980

Logo from 1990-present

1990

Creation of the C-Class

1993

This is a compact executive car that was the smallest model Mercedes-Benz produced at the time.

Creation of the SLK-Class

1996

This was a compact, luxury roadster.

Creation of the A-Class

1997

This is considered a subcompact executive vehicle. It is also a hatchback. The 2018 model was the first to be released in the United States.

Creation of the M-Class(Now GLE)

1997

This is a mid sized SUV. It was renamed GLE after only a few years of production

Creation of the CLA-Class

2013

This is a very successful line of subcompact executive vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz Factories

2020

There are now factories in over 30 nations around the world.

19 Vehicles with additional trucks, busses, and vans.

2020

Over 19 models are currently being produced. Mercedes-Benz also manufactures busses, trucks, and vans.