Fact 1: The Oldest Luxury Car Brand
Mercedes-Benz is the oldest luxury car brand globally. Carl Benz invented the world's first automobile, the three-wheeled "Motorwagen," in 1885. Mercedes-Benz USA, operating under "Mercedes-Benz," keeps this legacy alive by producing some of the most sophisticated luxury vehicles in the automotive industry.
Fact 2: It Boasts the First Car with Brakes on All Four Wheels
In 1924, Mercedes-Benz introduced the world's first car with brakes on all four wheels. This invention improved handling and drastically enhanced safety – an innovation that was rapidly adopted by all other car brands.
Fact 3: Founder's Name Derived from His Daughter
Mercedes-Benz's name originated from one of the founders of the company, Emil Jellinek, who named the brand after his daughter, Mercedes Jellinek. Today, the brand "Mercedes-Benz" is emblematic of luxury, quality, and sophistication.
Fact 4: The Star Symbolizes Land, Air and Sea Domination
The renowned Mercedes-Benz logo, a three-pointed star, symbolizes the brand's domination in land, air, and sea transport. The design was first proposed by Gottlieb Daimler, indicating the firm's ambition towards universal mobility.
Fact 5: Unveiling the First Robot Car
Advancing its technological prowess, Mercedes-Benz introduced the world's first robot car in 1980. This innovation set a benchmark for autonomous driving which we are now witnessing in today's automotive industry.
Fact 6: The Brand's Addiction for Safety
Mercedes-Benz is constantly at the forefront of safety technology in the automotive industry. It pioneered crumple zone technology and Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS), enhancing passenger safety and setting a path for other manufacturers to follow.
Fact 7: It Produced the Vehicle with the Lowest Drag Coefficient
In 1991, Mercedes-Benz produced the 500E model recognized as the vehicle with the lowest drag coefficient of any car at the time. This pushed the boundaries of automotive engineering and showcased the brand’s commitment to innovation.
Fact 8: The Mercedes-Benz Museum
Mercedes-Benz showcases its history, innovations, and contributions to the automotive industry in its museum in Stuttgart, Germany. The museum stocks over 1,500 exhibits and 160 vehicles, with tours available in several languages.
Fact 9: Luxury Vans
Mercedes-Benz also produces high-end vans that combine functionality with luxury, including the popular Sprinter and Metris models in the USA.
Fact 10: The Popemobile
Mercedes-Benz has also manufactured the Pope's official state car – often referred to as "The Popemobile." This iconic vehicle is customized with bulletproof glass and other security enhancements.
Fact 11: Mercedes-Benz has its Own Font
Mercedes-Benz has its own proprietary font, called "Corporate A BQ." It's used only for Mercedes-Benz branding and advertisements, adding a unique touch to the company's identity.
Fact 12: Checkered Flag Origin
Mercedes-Benz is also attributed to popularising the checkered flag now synonymous with car racing. During a race in 1901, a Benz car was the first to cross the finish line, marked by a checkered flag.
Fact 13: The High Mileage Award
Mercedes-Benz USA acknowledges the loyalty of its customers through the High Mileage Award. Owners can receive a grille badge indicating their vehicle's mileage, climbing in ranks from 155,000 miles to over 1,000,000 miles.
Fact 14: Popularity Among US Presidents
Mercedes-Benz cars have been a popular choice among U.S. Presidents. Five out of the past ten presidents have owned a Mercedes-Benz – a testament to the brand's prestige.
Fact 15: Mercedes-Benz in Hollywood
Mercedes-Benz cars have starred in over 1,000 movies, making them the number one car brand to have appeared in films around the world.
Fact 16: Commitment to a Greener Future
Mercedes-Benz USA is committed to creating environmentally friendly cars, striving towards their ambition of a carbon-neutral fleet within the next 20 years.
Fact 17: The Most Expensive Mercedes-Benz
In 2013, a Mercedes-Benz W196 Silver Arrow became the most expensive car sold at auction for over $29.6 million, demonstrating the enduring value and appeal of the brand.
Fact 18: Use of Artico Leather
Mercedes-Benz uses a unique material called Artico leather in many of its models. This synthetic material is incredibly durable, easy to maintain, and gives the interior a high-quality look.
Fact 19: World’s Fastest Electric Boat Creation
Mercedes-Benz partnered with Cigarette Racing to construct the world’s most potent and fastest electric boat, reflecting their intent to expand beyond land vehicles.
Fact 20: Luxury Electric Cars
Venturing into electric mobility, Mercedes-Benz electric luxury cars such as the EQC and EQS models are products of meticulous design, sophisticated technology, and uncompromised luxury. With these models, Mercedes-Benz proves that their tradition of elegance and innovation continues into the era of electric mobility.