What was the first ever Mercedes?

Mercedes-Benz is a venerated name in the automotive industry, not only because it’s a symbol of luxury and performance, but because the history of Mercedes-Benz is the history of the car itself.

Before 1886, bicycles, horses, and carriages were the most common means of transportation. Then the first-ever three-wheeled, self-propelled Benz Motorwagen was introduced to the world and forever changed transportation.

With a four-stroke gas-powered engine and two-passenger seating, the Benz Motorwagen was considered a plaything for the elite at the time. This was the case until the automobile became more and more accessible to the general population, especially after the advent of Ford’s mass production.

The Motorwagen’s engine output was 0.75 hp and it could travel at a brisk 9.9 miles per hour. The rear-mounted engine was set on a tubular steel frame, and cost about $1,000 to produce. Adjusted for inflation, that would put the cost to produce at about $26,000. That first production run produced and sold 26 units, and then the Motorwagen became the ancestor to today’s cars

But since that first automobile, Mercedes-Benz has been at the forefront of automaking, setting the standard for every car you now see on the road.

THE HISTORY BEHIND MERCEDES-BENZ BRAND

The iconic name of the brand went through many changes and collaborations before it was established.

The history of the name Mercedes can be traced back to Gottlieb Daimler, an industrial engineer who pioneered one of the internal-combustion engines and first automobiles in Germany. He founded the Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG) 1890, but died 10 years later.

In April 1900, DMG reached an agreement with Emil Jellinek to supply him with innovative cars and engines. Since he liked to enter automobile races under the name of his daughter, Mercedes, the first vehicle delivered to him was titled the Mercedes 35 PS. From there, DMG registered Mercedes as a trademark.

Carl Benz launched Benz & Co. in 1883.  His patented Benz Motorwagen became the world’s first practical automobile. During that time, Daimler and other inventors were also developing motor vehicles. But Benz’s wife Bertha took the Motorwagen on a much-publicized 66-mile trip, which set the automobile above everyone else.

From 1889 to 1899, Benz & Co. became the leading automobile manufacturer worldwide. But in the summer of 1926, DMG merged with Benz & Co., and Daimler-Benz AG (now Daimler AG) was formed. The merger of two prominent companies birthed the brand you now know as Mercedes-Benz.

MERCEDES-BENZ THROUGH THE YEARS

Since its foundation, Mercedes-Benz has never stopped reinventing itself. It has built and is continually creating models that become a standard for efficiency, performance, and luxury. After the first Motorwagen, here are some of the greatest innovations of Mercedes-Benz through the years.

The Multi-Valve Engine

To improve both performance and fuel consumption, the Benz Special Touring Car featuring the very first multi-valve engine was introduced in 1910.

Crash Testing Program

In 1958, a crash testing program was started and every new Mercedes-Benz was used as the basis for safety research.

Tele Aid System

At the beginning of 2000, Mercedes-Benz vehicles were equipped with an emergency response system that connects the driver to 24/7 road assistance via cellular technology and GPS.

Attention Assist System

In 2010, Mercedes-Benz began using a sensor and detailed algorithm to detect and alert the driver for signs of fatigue and drowsiness.

How Mercedes-Benz Sees The Future

Innovation is at the heart of the Mercedes-Benz brand. Although there are no limits to what’s possible in the future, it is now looking to produce more sustainable ride-sharing services, deploy full electric vehicles, and work on autonomous driving.

Autowerkes is a trusted repair shop in Huntington Beach, CA that fully appreciates the history and workmanship that goes into every Mercedes Benz. Our certified specialists can conduct repair and maintenance services to keep your car running beautifully.  Schedule an appointment with us today by filling out our contact form or calling (714) 842-2277.