1. The story of the Mercedes star – The beginning of a legend

2. Automotive Pioneers – Daimler and Benz

3. Rivalry and the birth of a legend

4. A symbol of excellence and innovation

The story of the Mercedes star – The beginning of a legend

Few trademarks are as globally recognizable as the three-pointed star of Mercedes-Benz. Representing the brand’s triumphs on land, water, and in the air, the star has become a symbol of innovation and excellence. Yet, the story behind this emblem is a complex one, beginning with two pioneers of the automotive industry – Gottlieb Daimler and Carl Benz.

Automotive Pioneers – Daimler and Benz

Although Gottlieb Daimler and Carl Benz were contemporaries working in Germany during the same period, they never actually met. However, their professional paths were remarkably similar, and the union of their names laid the foundation for one of the greatest automotive brands in history.

In 1882, Gottlieb Daimler established a small workshop behind his villa in Cannstatt, a suburb of Stuttgart. Working alongside Wilhelm Maybach, Daimler focused on developing single-cylinder, air-cooled engines. By 1885, these innovative power units were used to drive the world’s first motorcycle, and a year later, a four-wheeled horseless carriage – an early precursor to the modern automobile. Daimler’s engines quickly found applications not only on land but also in watercraft and aircraft. By 1890, the products of Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft were captivating engineers worldwide.

At the same time, Carl Benz, based in Mannheim, concentrated on developing two-stroke petrol engines. With patents for four-stroke engines already secured by the Deutz company, Benz opted for the Otto-cycle engine in his designs. The result was the world’s first petrol-powered car, patented in January 1886. By 1890, Benz & Co had become Germany’s second-largest engine manufacturer, and by the turn of the century, one of the world’s most prolific carmakers, producing nearly 600 cars in 1899 alone.

Rivalry and the birth of a legend

Daimler and Benz were not only inventors but also fierce rivals. Their companies competed for the favor of wealthy clients and for trophies on Europe’s racetracks. The rivalry reached its peak in the years leading up to World War I.

Daimler’s rapid expansion led to the acquisition of a large site in Untertürkheim, on the eastern edge of Stuttgart, in August 1900. This site would later become the spiritual home of Mercedes-Benz. Around the same time, the name “Mercedes” entered the picture, setting the stage for the brand’s transformation.

The name originated with Emil Jellinek, an Austrian businessman and key figure in Daimler’s history. Jellinek sold Daimler vehicles to wealthy clients in southern France and proposed technical modifications to make them more appealing. These included a lower body and a longer wheelbase to handle the greater power outputs he envisioned. In exchange for implementing these changes and granting him distribution rights in regions like France, Belgium, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and the United States, Jellinek requested that the vehicles bear the name “Mercedes” – his racing pseudonym and the name of his daughter.

A symbol of excellence and innovation

Thus, the Mercedes name was born, quickly gaining global acclaim. It became synonymous with luxury, performance, and unrivaled quality. The iconic Mercedes star, now one of the world’s most recognized symbols, reflects the brand’s triumphs on land, water, and in the air – as well as the legacy of two extraordinary pioneers whose visions transformed the automotive world.

The story of Mercedes is one of rivalry, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. It is also an inspiration for future generations who follow the star, setting new standards in the world of mobility.