Have you ever wondered what the story is behind Mercedes’ trademark three pointed star? Mercedes-Benz recently issued a press release that tracks the fascinating story of the company’s early development, including the now-famous star. Sit back and get comfortable as we go back in time to the late 1800s.
Daimler and Benz
In the 1880s, two forward thinking entrepreneurs founded rival companies. Gottlieb Daimler and Carl Benz both realized that the invention of the high speed engine was about to change transportation for all time. The two men founded separate automobile manufacturing companies in Germany. Each used his own name in his company’s trademark. Benz became successful, and little changed in his marketing except for the adoption of a new symbol, the laurel wreath, in 1909.
Jellinek Enters the Picture
Meanwhile, Daimler’s vehicles caught the eye of an Austrian businessman and investor named Emil Jellinek. Jellinek was a member of the early racing circles and was eager for a new racecar. He commissioned a vehicle from Daimler in 1897, but found the 24 km/h engine too slow. Jellinek immediately asked Daimler to invent a 40 km/h model and ordered two. Over time, Jellinek began to sell cars for Daimler through his contacts among the aristocracy. He continued to push for innovation, and by 1899 was racing Daimler vehicles under the pseudonym “Mercedes,” which was the first name of his then ten year old daughter.
The Partnership
In 1900, Gottlieb Daimler passed away. Nonetheless, his company, now helmed by sons Adolf and Paul, entered a formal partnership agreement with Jellnek. The partnership was to develop a new car with a 35 hp racing engine, which they dubbed the Mercedes. Daimler’s chief engineer, Wilhelm Maybach, designed the new vehicle. A low center of gravity, pressed stainless steel body and lightweight engine turned the conventions of automobile production upside down. The new car easily took nearly every event at the Nice race week in 1901. By 1903, Jellnek had legally changed his last name to Jellnek-Mercedes to reflect his pride and belief in the new vehicle.
Stay tuned on Wednesday to discover how the race car founded the empire, and to learn where Benz fits into the progression. In the meantime, why not drop by our convenient local dealership to experience the legendary Mercedes-Benz vehicles for yourself?
