Mercedes Benz

One of the most famous automotive companies, Mercedes Benz is a division of Daimler AG, which also builds trucks and buses. The Mercedes Benz company is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, and now is the oldest automotive brand in the world.

The company was founded in Mannheim, Germany in 1886 by Karl Benz. The first Mercedes car was built in 1901, which Karl Benz named after his daughter. In 1926 Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler became partners, launching the Daimler Benz company, and the Mercedes Benz brand was born. The first Mercedes Benz race car was the SSK in 1928. Starting in 1936, Mercedes Benz was the pioneer in the development of diesel engine technology for cars, which has continued ever since.

Starting with Argentina after World War II, Mercedes Benz began building vehicles in several countries, but only in Germany is where all current models are made. One factor driving the popularity of Mercedes Benz vehicles has been their frequent appearance in Hollywood movies and television shows. Several Mercedes Benz limited production cars are highly valued by collectors, such as the rare SL73 AMG sports car powered by a 525 horsepower V-12 engine built during the 1990s. A specially modified Mercedes Benz vehicle is the Popemobile, which transports Pope Benedict on his world-wide visits.

During the 1990s Mercedes Benz launched the SmartCar two-passenger urban vehicle, an electric version of which is now being developed. The ultra-luxurious Maybach brand was also launched, built in limited numbers.

Presently Mercedes Benz offers 13 models, ranging from the C-class four-door sedan to SUVs, station wagons, and the SLS sports car. Within each model offered, there are several sub-models. Concept cars now in development include hybrid and electric powered versions of the C-class sedans, and other models. A 2-door wagon and crossover vehicles are also in the works. Race car technology developed for McLaren Mercedes Formula One racing team cars has been incorporated into Mercedes Benz sports cars in recent years. Mercedes Benz now has a car plant in the United States.

In the works for a 2012 introduction is a new Mercedes Benz A-class. The new A-class is a small sporty hatchback aimed at younger buyers, and will be offered in both 3 and 5 door versions.

Mercedes Benz offers armored car model S-600 Guard, which is factory-built to customer specifications. The Mercedes Benz S-600 Guard can withstand roadside bombs, rockets, and small-arms fire.