The world had no idea what was in store when Gottlieb Daimler (1834 - 1900) & Carl Benz (1844 - 1929) were born into the world. This powerful duo pushed our world into a new era with their quest for automobile innovation and technology, leading us into a new wave of the future.
In the late 1800s, Carl Benz produced the world's first 2-stroke engine powered bicycle. Soon after, Benz & Daimler teamed up to form a company focusing on research and development of a 4-stroke engine designed to power an automobile. Of course, this comes after a few business ventures with other shareholders that did not share their vision and only wanted to work on developing stationary engines. As we all know, this was not to be their destiny, and so they parted ways. Daimler & Benz stayed true to their dream separately and together, focusing on building the world's first automobile, first by inventing the first internal combustion engine called The Grandfather Clock in 1884, followed by the world's first automobile in 1886 called the Benz Motorwagen.
Have you heard of the Benz Velo? From 1894 & 1902, over 1200 cars were produced and were the world's first large scale production car and put Benz on the map as the world's 2nd largest engine manufacturer in Germany. Parallelling Benz, Daimler produces the world's first truck capable of hauling 1.65 tons. This was an amazing technological breakthrough leading up to strengthen Germany's position while preparing for WW1.
In the early 1900's Mercedes Benz rolled out the world's first Honeycomb Radiator, allowing for more horsepower, opening up many more options for automobile development. With this new ability to cool the engines, horsepower becomes the focus. However, reparations from the war wiped out the country's resources, causing car companies to consolidate and team up to continue research, development, and production. In 1926 Carls Benz and Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft merged into Mercedes-Benz under the parent company of Daimler-Benz AG. The 3-point star logo was unveiled at the 1926 Berlin Motor Show on their first passenger car, a highly successful production of 7,000 vehicles the following year.
As the original founding members, Carl & Gottlieb, age and pass away, the corporation strengthens with family and shareholders, guiding the way into the future of automotive technology. In the 1930s, Mercedes-Benz rolled out 4-wheel independent suspension and hydraulic brakes and produced sports roadsters, military vehicles, sedans, and a cabriolet. Passenger safety became a priority, and testing of structural floors, collapsible steering columns, and side-impact protection was underway. As a leading automotive manufacturer, Mercedes-Benz released the world's first diesel passenger car, a roadster, and a limousine. Of course, with WW11 fast approaching, the production of these cars was put on hold, and military vehicles became the new priority. Production was unable to keep up with war demands, which led to forced labor and women to enter into the manufacturing plants.
Once WW11 wrapped up, many of Mercedes-Benz assets were confiscated and used as payment of war reparations, which caused the company to downsize dramatically and had a "denazification" process, which changed out many of the established board members to meet the American occupation authorities approval.
By the early 1940's Mercedes-Benz was back to profitable, and their research and development team gained a patent for the conical-pin door lock. Focusing on passenger safety, crumple zones were in production, and crash tests were part of each model's R&D. Keeping an eye on style and performance, Mercedes-Benz stayed on the leading edge of luxury vehicle development.
In the 1950s, fuel injection was added to the 300SL, which brought success to Mercedes-Benz in the American market. They entered into the motorsport scene, winning races like the Le Mans and the Carrera Panamericana. This led Mercedes-Benz to establish a sales market and build production plants throughout the world.
In the 1960s, automatic transmissions were developed, and V8's were muscling their way into the high-performance division scene. The "Red Sow (aka the Red Pig)" 300 SL 6.8 V8 Saloon was on the track sporting a HUGE engine and no brakes at all.
The 1970s and beyond Mercedes-Benz continue to roll out new G-Class and S-Class series cars and develop important safety features, such as Anti Lock Braking System (ABS), and revolutionary 5-arm rear suspension. The company continues to be dedicated to passenger safety and even removes harmful CFC chemicals from their air conditioning and continues to develop its technology to expand comfort and safety with consumer usability in mind.
Over the years, the parent company has undergone subtle name changes. However, it has continued to maintain its edge by carrying its long legacy of innovation for style, safety, and performance throughout. It continues to stand the test of time with their bold vision.
If you have a car that you love, or simply need as your reliable daily driver, call Bristow's Auto Repair, we are here to help! Make your check-up appointment with some of the most qualified auto mechanics in the business today with Bristow's Auto Repair. We back our work with a 2-year, 24,000-mile warranty, and our entire team focuses on creating a top-notch customer service experience. We specialize in BMW service and repair, so you'll know that your car is in the best of hands. Make your appointment today!
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