Mercedes-Benz, a name synonymous with luxury, performance, and automotive innovation, is a brand recognized globally. But who is the entity behind this prestigious marque? The answer lies with Mercedes-Benz AG, a German automotive company.
Mercedes-Benz AG is not operating as an independent entity. It is a core part of the larger Mercedes-Benz Group AG. This group, formerly known as Daimler AG until February 1, 2022, underwent a renaming to emphasize its focus on the Mercedes-Benz brand and its related businesses. The Mercedes-Benz Group encompasses Mercedes-Benz AG, which is responsible for the production and global distribution of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and vans.
The roots of Mercedes-Benz trace back to the late 19th century and the pioneering work of two automotive inventors: Carl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler. Carl Benz is credited with inventing the first gasoline-powered automobile, the Benz Patent-Motorwagen in 1886. Independently, Gottlieb Daimler, along with his partner Wilhelm Maybach, also developed their own gasoline engine and automobile around the same period.
In 1926, the companies founded by Benz and Daimler merged to form Daimler-Benz, officially giving birth to the Mercedes-Benz brand. The name “Mercedes” itself originates from Emil Jellinek, an Austrian automobile entrepreneur who marketed Daimler vehicles under the name of his daughter, Mercedes Jellinek.
Today, Mercedes-Benz vehicles are manufactured in numerous plants around the world, with significant production facilities in Germany and expanding operations in countries like the United States, China, and Hungary, among others. While the manufacturing footprint is global, the heart and headquarters of Mercedes-Benz remain in Stuttgart, Germany, reflecting its proud German heritage of engineering and innovation.
In conclusion, Mercedes-Benz is made by Mercedes-Benz AG, which is part of the Mercedes-Benz Group AG. This company carries forward a legacy of automotive pioneering that began with Carl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler, continuing to shape the future of luxury and performance vehicles worldwide.