Mercedes-Benz (english)

Mercedes-Benz

Type
Division of Daimler AG
Year of foundation 1886
The founders Karl Benz Gottlieb Daimler Wilhelm Maybach
Location Stuttgart, Germany
Key people Dieter Zetsche (Chairman of the Board of Directors)
Industry Automotive industry
Production of passenger cars, trucks, buses, engines
The parent company Daimler AG
Website mercedes-benz.de
Mercedes-Benz (Mercedes-Benz, the German pronunciation mɛʁtse ː dəs bɛnts) - German car manufacturer specializing in the production of passenger cars premium, trucks, buses and other vehicles. It is now a subsidiary of the group «Daimler AG». The main office (headquarters) is located in Stuttgart. Founded in 1871, [citation needed 472 days]. In 2010 the brand was estimated at 25.2 billion dollars, while holding the second highest price of car manufacturing companies.

The history of Mercedes

The history of this brand is made up of the stories of two well-known car brands - "Mercedes", produced by German company "Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft" and "Benz", which were built by the same name. Both companies are quite well developed independently, a in 1926, merged into a new concern "Daimler-Benz".
Benz
In 1886 was created three-wheeled self-propelled carriage with a gasoline engine. In the same year, her creator - Karl Benz was granted a patent for this invention. The world's first three-wheeled vehicle has been put into production.
After seven years, losing the championship Daimler, Carl Benz builds its four-wheeled vehicle, and the next year even more perfect design under the strange name "Bicycle" goes into production.
In 1901, shortly after the release of the new Daimler model "Mercedes-35PS» becomes clear how "Benz" behind progress. To catch up, shareholders are invited to the company by French engineer Marius Barbara. Due to technical differences Karl Benz is leaving the company he founded. It soon became clear - the Frenchman did not live up to expectations. Following the logic of the German cars have to be made by German hands, the Company, as Chief Engineer, was invited Fritz Erle. Again, no luck. It was only with the arrival of the company talented engineer Hans Niebel things gradually went downhill. In 1909, creating a range of beautiful cars the company has built the most famous racing car of the time, "Blitzen-Benz" with engine capacity of 200 liters. s. and volume 21594 cm3.
In the postwar years there have been many new models, most of which has successfully produced until mid-twenties. In total, since the beginning of production in 1886, and the association with the "Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft" in 1926, the company "Benz" produced 47,555 vehicles, including cars, trucks and omnibuses.
Daimler
In 1890, Gottlieb Daimler in the Bad Kanshtat (Stuttgart), founded the company in its own name - "Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft," deciding issue created four years earlier by him and took an active part Wilhelm Maybach four-wheeled vehicle. After a series of not very successful attempts that are still found their enthusiastic buyers, designer V. Maybach in 1901, managed to create a successful model. At the insistence of the Consul of Austria-Hungarian Empire in Nice and, concurrently, the head of the "Daimler" in France Emil Jellinek's car was named in honor of Our Lady of Mercy (born Maria de las Mercedes (from the Latin «merces» - «gifts»)) , just after whom were named all of his children, among whom was the daughter of the notorious consul Mercedes, and property (boats, houses, a hotel and casino).
The first "Mercedes-35PS», which is how it was called, had a four-cylinder engine displacement of 5913 cm3, classical arrangement of basic units and beautiful (at the time) appearance. A year later saw the light of improved design under the name "Mercedes Simplex". A wider product range. The most well-known representatives of this series were the proud names of "Mersedes-40/45PS" and "Mercedes-65PS» and engines of 6785 cm3 and, accordingly, 9235 cm3, allows a speed of 90 km / h
Prior to World War II "Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft" managed to produce a wide range of their vehicles with different engines (from 1568 cm3 to 9575 cm3), designed for a variety of consumers, including luxury, ultra-quiet cars using engines with valveless gas distribution produced by U.S. patent of "Knight."
Immediately after the war, Paul Daimler began to experiment with the compressor, allowing a half times increase engine power. The newcomer to the position of chief engineer in 1923, Ferdinand Porsche brought the experiment to its logical conclusion, founded in 1924, is one of the most outstanding cars of the world - "Mersedes-24/100/140PS" with a magnificent chassis and supercharged six-cylinder engine capacity of 6240 cm3 and a power of 100 - 140 l. s.
By 1926, "Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft" made at all of its plants for a total of 147,961 cars, with a maximum capacity was reached in 1918. Despite all the difficulties of the last war years, then managed to produce 24,690 cars.
Combining competitors


Three-beam star Mercedes-Benz on the radiator cap
After the merger in 1926 by Daimler and Benz new concern Daimler-Benz was able to effectively use the expertise of designers from both companies, which stood at the head of Ferdinand Porsche. It is fully updated product range, based on recent models of Daimler, now being issued under the name Mercedes-Benz. Porsche's first new development in 1926 was the "compressor" series K, which included model 24/100/140 (in English) with a 6-cylinder engine capacity of 6240 cm3. For more power and speed (up to 145 km / h), it was called "death trap." It has become a base for the more well-known series S, which consisted of the models S (Sport), SS (Supersport), SSK Supersport Kurz (Rus Supersport short) and SSKL Supersport Kurz leicht (Rus Supersport short light).
In 1928, Porsche left Daimler-Benz, and was succeeded by Hans Niebel (Hans Nibel). Under his leadership, released cars Mannheim-370 ("Mannheim-370") with a 6-cylinder engine displacement of 3.7 liters and Nurburg-500 ("Nürburg-500") with the 8-cylinder 4.9-liter unit, based at the latest models of Porsche.
In 1930, there was Großer Mercedes (Rus Large Mercedes) or Mercedes-Benz 770 with 8-cylinder 200-horsepower engine capacity of 7655 cm3 with a supercharger, in 1931, the company made its debut in the small car sector, where it represented the very successful Mercedes 170 6 -cylinder engine of 1692 cm3, with independent suspension front wheels.
In 1933, there were passenger Mercedes-Benz 200 and the sporty Mercedes-Benz 380 with 2.0 - and 3.8-liter engines, the latter of which developed 140 hp with a supercharger. On the basis of the sports model in 1934 created the Mercedes-Benz 500K with a 5-liter engine, which became a 2-year basis for a well-known large "compressor" of the car Mercedes-Benz 540K. In the years 1934-1936 the company released a light Mercedes-Benz 130 4-cylinder 26-horsepower rear-mounted cylinder capacity of 1308 cm3, which was followed by 150 roadster and sedan 170H.
Under the technical direction of chief designer Max Sailer (Max Sailer), who replaced Niebel in 1935, were created by the popular low-cost model 170V with 4-cylinder engine capacity of 1697 cm ³, the world's first production car with a diesel engine 260D (1936), and new "Big» Mercedes-Benz 770 (1938 year) to the frame of beams oval cross section and the rear spring suspension, which served the Nazi leaders.
Mercedes-Benz during the Second World War
During the war, Daimler-Benz produced as trucks and cars of different classes. However, the two-week aerial bombardment of the Anglo-American air force in September 1944 turned the Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft into a heap of ruins. The destruction of large concern evaluated in different ways, the main plant in Stuttgart was destroyed by 70%, motor and body shop in Zindelfingene - 85% of trucks in Gaggenau plant was completely destroyed. Former factory Benz und Cie in Mannheim more fortunate of all - only 20% damage, and the factory diesel engines Berlin-Marienfeld, Daimler'om bought in 1902, completely razed to the ground. When the evaluation of the destruction was ready by January 1945, the Board of Directors decided that the Daimler-Benz no longer physically exists
A New Beginning
For post-war reconstruction of destroyed factories took time, so car production was started only in June 1946. For the development of new cars do not have any base, no money, so the first post-war car was the sedan W136 - «170V». Although the design was developed in the mid-1930s, a compact car with a motor of 38 horsepower was the beginning of a new history of the brand. Already in May 1949, the year has been a major upgrade. The engine was increased to 70 cm ³, (up to 52 hp model «170S»), there were variations in the convertible and station wagon body styles (so-called. Convertibles "A" and «B»), and most importantly - models with diesel engines " 170D ».
By the beginning of the 1950 Daimler had big ambitions for future vehicles, but the launch of a new generation of vehicles required for further development of the production base. Therefore, in the early 1950s, despite the emergence of new luxury series "300" (see below), the continued production of models with outdated design. Continued constant modernization and the launch of new models. So in January 1952, there was a model with a larger body that has been numbered W191. But even before that, in March 1951, put on the car instead of a 4-cylinder, six-cylinder engine with 80 hp Along with the new exterior design (for example, the location of the front lamps in the wings) W187 car was renamed "220" and took the middle segment between the "170"-mi and "300"-mi. It is offered in three body styles (sedan and convertible "A" and «B»).
Just nine years (issue ended in September 1955,) was built 151042 and 18514 respectively cars "170" and "220". Through these vehicles, Mercedes-Benz was able to create a solid foundation on which the company will be a leading automobile manufacturer in Western Europe.

"Adenauer"
After a successful recovery plants and the production of its small car by the end of the 1940 Mercedes-Benz once again started to restore its pre-war brand as a luxury car manufacturer. With today's advances in automotive fashion, in November 1951 at the Paris Motor Show, a new Executive Limousine W186 «300». The car, though, and was built in a classical arrangement (separate frame and body), equipped with a powerful 6-cylinder engine in the 2996 cm ³ with an overhead camshaft.
The car was produced in two body styles - sedan and four-door convertible «D» and was a huge success among big businessmen, celebrities and politicians. It is the latter category, and gave the car the unofficial name in honor of the first Federal Chancellor of Germany, Konrad Adenauer, who had a personal car and it is highly appreciated. Since the assembly of the vehicle was carried out manually, the interiors were made by buyers and equipped with radio, telephone, and many other innovations.
Hand-assembled vehicles allow for the continuing modernization, ultimately at the end of 1954, was a series of W186 «300b», which got new brake drums and front windows. A year later it was replaced by "300s", equipped with an automatic transmission firm Borg-Warner. But the biggest step forward was made in the mid-1950s, when it was made by Bosch invention is the fuel injection system. She was equipped with a series W188 «300Sc» c the end of 1955 year.
In January 1952, there was another series of executive class W188 - «300S», which was produced as a coupe, convertible "A" and two-seat roadster. With three Solex carburetors compression engine was increased to 7,8:1, and 150 hp broken up by the lighter cars to 180 km / h If the assembly of large "Adenauer" went relatively quickly (about a thousand a year, taking into account the total capacity of the plant marks), the average production of cars «300S» was not more than a hundred pieces a year.
However, if the demand for large "Adenauer" continued, the limited-edition release «300S» became impractical after the SL roadsters and coupes pontoon similar models in the mid-1950s (see below). Further assembly of obsolete vehicles was a big burden for the company, so in 1958, the output of all three bodies W188 was discontinued after only 760 cars.
As for the flagship sedans and convertibles «D», in August 1957, was held a thorough modernization of the car, which became known as W189 - «300d». The main external difference was in the rear of the vehicle, which took the form of a pontoon sedan (see below). Similarly, changed the shape and the rear part of the roof with extended tail glass. Side glazing also got very comfortable for summer time opportunity to remove the center column. In order to successfully penetrate the U.S. market, cars could be equipped with air conditioning and hydraulic power steering, and their tires were painted in white. Under the hood, the new "Adenauer" now was the fuel injection system and the engine can develop 180 hp. s. and disperse the heavy car to 165 km / h
Assembling the "Adenauer" lasted until March 1962, the total was built 8288 x W186-3142 and W189. Through this series of Mercedes-Benz fully regained its pre-war reputation as a manufacturer of luxury automobiles.

Pontoons

In the early 1950's. at the Mercedes-Benz finally have the resources and staff to realize their ambitions. As already mentioned, the model "170" and "200" to the beginning of 1950 has completely outdated, and "300"-s could afford only the elite of the time. Marche required unified series of cars, which would be a modern, reliable, but it is relatively expensive and easy to maintain.
The exit was obvious - the monocoque body type, but then Mercedes-Benz has retained the classic lines of the wheel arches and so the very terminology introduced in automotive design pontoon body. This was a new car W120 «180», first aired in July 1953 Issue lasted until the early 1960s. and has developed many models and upgrades. Thus, in February 1954 there was a diesel option «180D», and in March 1956 a more powerful and comfortable W121 «190», which also appeared diesel modification «190D» August 1958 But the most important model was the sporty roadster «190SL», built on a common body with the W121, despite significant external differences. (See description below)
The first six-cylinder, the so-called "Large pontoons" appeared in June 1954, with a model W180 «220a» with an engine capacity of 89 liters. s. Like his younger brothers, cars suffered a number of modifications to the March 1956 there was a similar "190" th flagship series «220S», which was produced in addition to the sedan, a two-door coupe body styles and convertible with an engine power of 105 hp. s. Same old "220a", now became known as the "219" under a new body W105. The final touch to the stories of large pontoons occurred in October 1958, when there were models with fuel injection «220SE» (E - Einspritzmotor) for sedans, coupes and convertibles, which are now referred to as the W128.
Release of large pontoons 220 series continued until September 1959 (sedans) and November 1960 (coupes and convertibles). There were built, respectively, 111035 and 5371 such vehicles. Younger pontoons produced longer, up to October 1962 were built sedans 442963 W120 and W121, as well as roadsters 25881 «190SL». Total 585250 vehicles, the scale of which has allowed the brand to celebrate the whole world, so as soon as they were officially exported to 136 countries. During registration a firm basis for future models, already in 1960, according to the analysis Daimlera build one car in Sindelfingen took only 25 hours. But the automotive world in the late 1950s - early 1960s. is undergoing rapid change, and to remain competitive in an unequal battle with American producers needed new generation of vehicles.

SL (Sport Leicht)

Along with the production of passenger cars, Mercedes-Benz has paid much attention to the restoration of his racing reputation. The whole office Daimler'a engaged in the creation of light aerodynamic body. A particular success was the car in which the W196 Argentine racing driver Juan Manuel Fangio won the seasons of 1954 and 1955's. (See command Mercedes in formula 1). The car itself was built on the experience of former designer of aircraft engines fighter Messerschmitt Bf.109 and had a fuel injection system and desmodromny valve gear.
In 1955, an improved version of the so-W196S. «300SLR» at number 722, established not beaten to this day record for the Mille Miglia, driven by a famous British racing driver Stirling Moss. Despite the tragic outcome of the championship 24 Hours of Le Mans where he died driver Pierre Levegh and 82 spectators, Mercedes-Benz successfully won the World Cup championship in 1955, the year. However, after this brand has left the racing world for many years.
But success could not help but leave a legacy brand vehicles. Back in 1952, there was a race W194 «300SL», the predecessor of SLR-and, though she was able to finish second and fourth in the championship of the Mille Miglia of that year, and also participated in the Carrera Panamericana and Targa Florio. Body consists of a tubular frame covered with a proprietary alloy of aluminum and magnesium "electron" and had a lighter and a redesigned version of a racing needs six-cylinder engine from adenaeuera. But the most interesting element of the design was in the form of the cab and doors, for strength and weight saving, they opened up that gave the car the nickname "gull-wing".
In 1953 businessman Max Hoffman, offered Mercedes-Benz'u a road version «300SL» for the developing American market. The result was the W198 «300SL». Since its premiere in 1954, its futuristic features, and of course the unusual doors guarantee complete success. Elite USA where delivered over 80% of all cars, buy up their auctions. Initially, the car was a system of three types of carburetors Weber gave power output of 115 hp Soon, however, it was placed on the fuel injection system of the company Bosch, which increased the power to 215 hp (158 kW) at 5800 rev / min. This allowed the light to disperse the car to 250 km / h
The success of the car «300SL» shocked the company itself. However, with all its advantages, its complex design and build long made it almost unaffordable for the market of the Old World. But the feeling is open to the potential of the brand market, Mercedes-Benz'a engineers immediately began to develop a mass model for the domestic market, on the basis of a standard pontoon W121 «190». The vehicle has retained a lot of details from the 300SL, as an independent front suspension and a swinging half-back. In April 1954, the premiere of his younger brother «190SL». The car was manufactured as a roadster, or with a removable hardtop or a folding canvas. Its price was almost half of the «300SL». However, the car proved to be very successful, especially among buyers - women.
In 1957, the year «300SL» underwent a major upgrade, during which he lost to the unique design of doors, the roof, in favor of the classical scheme of the roadster. There were several reasons for this, firstly the car was set up as a race rather than as a class Grand Turismo in which he suddenly turned. Consequently, in terms of convenience had major weaknesses as lack of trunk ventilation (only the rear triangle could slightly open a window leaves) and of course the input and output of passenger cabin, which, especially for women, was very uncomfortable. When considering that the richest in the United States live in a hot climate states like Florida and California, the data contradicted the shortcomings that made the brand image of prestige cars. The second reason was the high death rate in accidents due to the difficulty for the passenger to get out of the car, especially in the coup. Therefore, in 1957, the new «300SL» became a roadster that is similar «190SL» released as a canvas and a removable hardtop. In this case, the car received a new soft rear suspension, disc brakes (from 1961 year) and for the first time Mercedes-Benz has put him on a new type of vertical lights, which would become a feature of all subsequent models of the brand until the early 1970s.
In 1963, the year ended with release of both cars. In all there were 1,400 cars «300SL» first-generation and second in 1858. Pontoon «190SL» was built 25.881. Both car brands have opened for a new class of vehicles, which now had the end of SL - Sport Leicht sport and easy to transfer.

Fins

In the 1950s, Western Europe emerged from chaos and poverty - the consequences of the Second World War. Back in September 1956, when the pontoons are only just started to be issued, the leadership of Daimler-Benz was engaged in developing a new generation of cars. The main requirements are higher than ever: the safety and convenience of the passengers inside, outside car had to be in the form of Italian style cars, the front part of the same inherited from Mercedes-Benz'a. Development began in 1957, at a time when the undisputed leader in the automotive industry was America. American exterior design of the car is undergoing a revolution that was caused by the era of jet aviation and space flight (hence the characteristic "wings" that adorned the back of the body). At the last moment leading engineer-designer added this item to a new design. Although the wings themselves were much smaller and more modest than their American counterparts, their shape gave a characteristic nickname entire generation of cars «Heckflosse» - «fins."
Production began in early 1959. Autumn at the Frankfurt Motor Show car W111 was shown to the public. Despite the fact that the chassis was the same with pontoons, apparently "fin" looked very different, with elegant body, the vertical headlight unit, and of course, the fins themselves. In addition, Mercedes-Benz ahead of the whole world, patented front and rear crumple zones that absorb the kinetic energy of the collision, and seat belts. Inside the cabin was more spacious, and with all the dash and even the steering wheel were covered with a soft material. Glass area increased by 35%, the most improved overview of the driver and passengers. Comfort also improved independent rear suspension.
W111 and W128 sedans replaced the W180, with models «220b», «220Sb» and «220SEb» (b - had apparently not been mentioned, but has been introduced to avoid confusion with the earlier models). The models differ, in addition to the different engine capacities (from 95 to 120 hp), its layout, and «220SE» was considered a kind of flagship. Issue lasted until the summer of 1965, when there was a successor to the W108 (see below). However, due to its popularity model release «220S» continued, the car received a larger bore (increased power by 20 bhp) and a pneumatic, self-leveling rear axle. Because of the large volume of motor vehicle has been renamed as «230S», and its production continued until January 1968. In all there were 337,803 vehicles of this type.
Following the W111 began the development of the rest of the pontoon replacement vehicles, and mostly two-door coupes and convertibles. When designing the look of Mercedes-Benz tried to give the car a more sporty character with the same front and rear clearance from the future SL «Pagoda" (see below), but only the back of the registration reached coupe and convertible, thus, their "fins" lost chrome underscores. In March 1961 two-door cars besstoechnye «220SEb» made a splash at the Geneva Motor Show.
At the same time work to replace the pontoon two-door 220's on the fin, were working to establish the mass of the budget version of the fins, which would replace the four-cylinder sedans W120 and W121. In the summer of 1961 there was a car W110 in two models: «190c» and «190Dc». As before, the cars were almost identical to the W111, but had a smaller front clearance (14.5 cm shorter). But the car was more economical, especially diesel «190D», which has become a favorite of many taxi drivers. On the basis of W110-built wagons, ambulances, etc. It is interesting to note that due to the same design with the W111, in a variety of upgrades at the time of release, Mercedes-Benz put the more expensive units flagship sedan for W110, for example adjustment of seat backs, ventilation, exterior chrome decor, but the main engines. In 1965, when a new generation of engines, "190"-s turned to "220" and «220D». But the most important was the model "230", which originated through the delivery of a six-cylinder engine from the W111 «230S» in the body W110. In January 1968, Mercedes-Benz has stopped its production, releasing 628,282 by the time the car.
The final touch of history fins was made in the same 1961. As noted above, Mercedes-Benz has completed production of not only floats but also the big leagues car hand-built W189 «Adenauer" "300". Work on replacing the upper class limousine has just begun, and completion of production obsolete frame limousine has formed a niche in the lineup. Mercedes-Benz has decided to issue the simplest way, by putting a large three-liter engine in a conventional sedan W111. The result is a car with a much improved dynamic characteristics. Adding air suspension, automatic transmission, luxurious interior and doubling the number of chrome exterior trim, Mercedes recreated the luxury of a limousine in the ordinary sedan. However, knowing that many of the highest levels of customer can not accept the "slipshod», Mercedes-Benz has decided to continue to tear flagship «300SE» from the main line, and even allocated a separate factory index W112. And in 1963, a model with extended wheelbase «300SEL». As expected, not all responded positively to the replacement of the car hand-built in a massive car configuration suite. However, in the short period of its manufacture (1965) was released 5.202 «300SE» and 1.546 «300SEL». By breaking down the taboos of continuity, in March 1962, Mercedes-Benz went to the next logical step and put the same engine on the two-door fins. This W112 «300SE» differed from W111 «220SE» on similar grounds sedans (more external chrome trim dash of Walnut, etc.). Total for 1968 was released 3.12K early 1960s fashion for fins has managed to escape from the car design, but updated fleet continued, and in the summer of 1963 came the turn of the replacement sports series SL. Until the end of 1962 continued at the same time the mass production of four-cylinder roadsters W121 «190SL» and manual assembly of luxury cars Gran Turismo W198 «300SL». The same way as W111 and W112 sedans combine different 220 th and 300-th series, the new car W113 has combined both classes of SL. Development of the car was following the same path, a deep modernization of the pontoon body. But it was already standing on it is not the four-and six-cylinder engine. With a simple compact body, independent suspension, and of course, the ability to remove either solid or canvas roof, the new roadster «230SL» quickly became a popular machine, especially among women. It is an unusual shape of the roof and gave him the nickname "Pagoda" at the time of its premiere. Subsequently, the car twice modernized rear disc brakes and more powerful engines «250SL» (1967) and «280SL» (1968-71). In all there were 48,912 such vehicles
Next 1964 finally solved the problem with the replacement of Adenauer. As already mentioned, the car W112 «300SE», even though he was equipped with an order of magnitude better than the standard fins, he still remained a massive car, and was a temporary solution to replace the W189. This successor Adenauer limousine W100 was almost 5.5 meters in length, had the air suspension, square body and inside could be fitted with any of the items of comfort, up to the TV. But mostly it was the engine: the old three-liter is not fit for a car weighing three tons, and the W112 series after he managed to fall out of exclusivity to the masses, and Mercedes-Benz returned to his first series of V-shaped eight-cylinder engine. M100 engine capacity of 6.3 liters, with 250 hp, could disperse a great car to 205 km / h, the very making it the second fastest car of Germany (after the Porsche 911). Model "600" could be produced, in addition to the standard limousine in an elongated configuration (74 cm) "Pullman" or as polukabrioleta "landole" who bought the heads of countries for official purposes, as well as the Vatican Popemobile. In general the car has become so successful that it continued to build in 1981 (it was released 2,677 cars).
A new era
600th completed the upgrade of the entire lineup. Years of these cars just coincided with the rise of Germany as a new economic force in Western Europe, which speaks to the scale of production and the export success of vehicles. By the mid-1960s Mercedes-Benz stood firm as a leader in the German car industry. Of course, the fin era did not end with the launch of the 600-th, but their ability to unify the range allowed to save a huge amount of material and human resources.
Pontoons and SL Mercedes managed for 10 years to make itself out of the pre-war 170 th in the best European car manufacturer, the model exported to many countries and were purchased as celebrities and politicians. But by the late 1950s, the image of modern cars as well as Western society has changed dramatically and Mercedes became the vanguard of this era. In 1959, the year has gone a new family of executive class W111 received elegant bearing body with vertical blocks of lights, huge luggage compartment and all-wheel independent suspension (models 220, 220S, 220SE, 230S, 250SE, 280SE and 280SE 3.5). They have demonstrated the highest level of technical cars of this brand. The main symbol of a new era of square body but with a clear American influence because of the "fins" on the rear fenders, the car also had coupe and a convertible version. Fashion for the fins also switched to mid-range cars W110 in 1961, the year. In 1961, Mercedes produces luxury version, based on the 111-m 300SE W112, also having a coupe and convertible versions.
But the fashion for fins gone as quickly as it had come, and Mercedes continued to introduce new and more luxurious models. In 1963, two new models. The first was the SL «Pagoda" with the unique roof (it was the middle part of the lower sidewall). The car was manufactured in three series: 230SL, 250SL and 280SL. And at the end of 1963, there was a limousine Mercedes-Benz W100 600. The car had a 6.3-liter V8 engine producing 250 hp, 4-speed automatic transmission, air suspension and wheels. The main thing is that the car was almost no competition, and not only in prestige, but despite the huge size, it can reach a maximum speed of 205 km / h Also produced elongated version of Pullman (including shestidvernye variants) and polukabriolety - landole.
A new era
600th completed the upgrade of the entire lineup. Years of these cars just coincided with the rise of Germany as a new economic force in Western Europe, which speaks to the scale of production and the export success of vehicles. By the mid-1960s Mercedes-Benz stood firm as a leader in the German car industry. Of course, the fin era did not end with the launch of the 600-th, but their ability to unify the range allowed to save a huge amount of material and human resources.
Pontoons and SL Mercedes managed for 10 years to make itself out of the pre-war 170 th in the best European car manufacturer, the model exported to many countries and were purchased as celebrities and politicians. But by the late 1950s, the image of modern cars as well as Western society has changed dramatically and Mercedes became the vanguard of this era. In 1959, the year has gone a new family of executive class W111 received elegant bearing body with vertical blocks of lights, huge luggage compartment and all-wheel independent suspension (models 220, 220S, 220SE, 230S, 250SE, 280SE and 280SE 3.5). They have demonstrated the highest level of technical cars of this brand. The main symbol of a new era of square body but with a clear American influence because of the "fins" on the rear fenders, the car also had coupe and a convertible version. Fashion for the fins also switched to mid-range cars W110 in 1961, the year. In 1961, Mercedes produces luxury version, based on the 111-m 300SE W112, also having a coupe and convertible versions.
But the fashion for fins gone as quickly as it had come, and Mercedes continued to introduce new and more luxurious models. In 1963, two new models. The first was the SL «Pagoda" with the unique roof (it was the middle part of the lower sidewall). The car was manufactured in three series: 230SL, 250SL and 280SL. And at the end of 1963, there was a limousine Mercedes-Benz W100 600. The car had a 6.3-liter V8 engine producing 250 hp, 4-speed automatic transmission, air suspension and wheels. The main thing is that the car was almost no competition, and not only in prestige, but despite the huge size, it can reach a maximum speed of 205 km / h Also produced elongated version of Pullman (including shestidvernye variants) and polukabriolety - landole.
At the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1965 was first shown gamma models of so-called S-Class (W108) - the most prestigious (after a limousine 600) car companies. It includes models 250S and 250SE with a 6-cylinder engines in the 150 and 170 hp, on the technical parameters surpassing the competition. Over time, they have engines of 2.8 liters and from 1968: 3,5 - and 4,5-liter engine V8. The most powerful and comfortable model of this series was extended W109 300SEL, including the flagship 300SEL 6.3 with a 6.3-liter engine from the 600 th, has a top speed of 220 km / h Since then, the S Series has become a symbol of the technological advances of Mercedes-Benz.
In 1968, new models of middle-class W114 and W115, a different set of engines. At the last (230, 250, and 280) were six-cylinder engines, in the first (200, 220 and 240) four-cylinder. The widespread popularity of diesel also got a complete set of these models. The car is available as a coupe, wagon and sedan elongated. Feature of the series was the fact that her body was fully developed "from scratch", unlike the previous ones, which in one form or another, were borrowed from the previous models.

1970
If the brand was able to by the end of 1950 to occupy a niche in post-war Europe, by the end of the 1960s knew about it the whole world, as well as the scale of production and the quality of the cars. In the early 1970s, Mercedes has adopted a new system of classification of vehicles where the prefix W joined the R (Roadster), C (coupe), S (sedan), and V (LWB). Also, a new standard for styling that has become more masculine and charismatic gave the new car is more elegant, but still rigorous and sports essay.
The first novelty of the decade was a new SL R107 which in 1971 was replaced by the Pagoda. The success of a vehicle can be characterized in that it produced 18 (up to 1989 years). Although both were aspiring models with six-cylinder engines (, 280SL and 300SL) but all of the criteria was R107 Eight (V8), which has successfully won the American market models 350SL, 380SL, 420SL, 450SL, 500SL and 560SL. The latest model in general was not available for Europe.
In 1972, to replace the 108th by a new generation S-Class W116, received the world's first anti-lock braking system (ABS) [3] as well as hydro-pneumatic suspension, as well as a three-step automatic transmissions. Like his predecessor, he had two bases, short and long (V116). Lineup also mainly consisted of "eights» 350SE/SEL and 450SE/SEL. But in addition to "Six» 280S and 280SE/SEL, was also a diesel model 300SD with a short base (for the North American market) and became the flagship of the 450SEL 6.9 with a huge 6.9 liter V8.
If all S-Class coupe were, the W116 was the exception, and to replace the already outdated C111 in 1972 came a new model C107 SLC which was developed based on the R107. Unlike the coupe roadster had a solid roof and enlarged cabin for the rear seat.

1973rd year for the company was the most severe test, which began oil crisis severely reduced the sale of the car, especially with large motors. But thanks to the W114/W115 series, and especially the efforts that Mercedes made in the quality and in the development of more efficient engines, by the mid-1970s, when many competitors have gone bankrupt, and Mercedes stood in 1975, was ready to introduce a replacement for the mass car W114/W115.
The new machine W123, was one of the most reliable of all brands. Also released version of the station wagon (from 1976), convertible and limousine (from 1977). The main glory of the car was its simplicity and efficiency, so that even to this day, can often be seen in many third world countries wrinkled, but the workers 123rd Mercedes.

1980
If Mercedes-Benz was the market leader in Europe in the 1970s, in the 1980s, this confidence was not. Part of the events of 1973 changed the face of the average buyer who is wanted from the car not only luxury and comfort, but also the reliability and efficiency. Therefore, despite the success of the 123rd model, the Mercedes were serious competitors.
But even in such circumstances, Mercedes did not deviate from its principles, and in 1979 launched its new S-class W126, the success of which can be compared with the huge number of innovations brought to them in the automotive world. In an instant, his predecessor a generation out of date. The new car was a revolutionary design: thanks to the famous Italian designer Bruni Sacco for the first time the focus was on aerodynamic outline. In all there were about 840 million vehicles - a record not beaten any of the S-Class since then, as well as endurance record production - 12 years. The new flagship S-Class 500SEL 560SEL and allowed to finally complete release of heavy limousine W100.
Unlike the W116-th, W126-D with 1981, joins the lineup with new coupes C126, which replaced the C107 SLC. But the era of the sports coupe still affected the appearance of the new machine. Besstoechny car was no less successful than the sedan, especially the version with powerful engines and 500SEC 560SEC.

But the success of the new S-class stamp was not enough, and in the early 1980s, she discovers two completely new market. The first of them - the 460 Series sedan, known as the Geländewagen. All-wheel drive car was born thanks to the request of the Shah of Iran, Mohammed Reza Pahlavi, who was a shareholder of Daimler-Benz. once the revolution in Iran in 1977, without the customer Damler-Benz car turned into a civil war SUV, which was famous for its high maneuverability and reliability.
Mercedes-Benz brand in late 1970 received a major challenge from his main rival BMW and its success with the third series, which quickly caught the pendulum mass car. At Daimler-Benz was the only way out, and in 1982, the premiere of a compact sedan W201 190. The car, despite its modest size, had a great sports design, thanks to the same Bruni Sacco, a wide range of engines (1.8-2.6 with a capacity of 75-185 hp) and, most importantly, the price was available to a wider range of buyers. The success of the car following figures: In just 11 years, was released 1.8 million vehicles. The car, nicknamed «Baby Benz» fully regained competitiveness of the brand.

The basic model of Mercedes-Benz, sedans and station wagons series W123, to the mid-1980s, obsolete, and in 1984, the year came W124. The car, the work of the same Stakko Bruni, has once again demonstrated the possibility of creating brand stylish and modern cars but to make them durable and reliable. The new series was produced in four versions: a sedan, station wagon (S124), Coupe (C124) and Convertible (A124). But if the 123rd was hard worker, the 124th added elegance to this quality. Also in the late 1980's there were a lot of tuning firms like Brabus, AMG, Carlsson and others, so as an experiment in 1989, the year with the Mercedes Porsche creates a sporty spetsseriyu 500E with a 5-liter V8. In all there were more than 2.7 million vehicles W124, including the order of 10 thousand 500's.
1990
In 1989, on the eve of a new decade comes the turn of the replacement who had become legendary R107 SL. It was replaced by the new Mercedes-Benz R129. The car, which had to make up for the gap in a generation coped with its task. With modern racing form, R129 quickly returned the company to market sports cars.
In the period 1990-91 Mercedes Geländewagen updates its models 461 and 463. The first model has remained virtually all-wheel drive SUV that is produced by a series of small, but the latest model has already become the city's off-road vehicle, which is on the order could have a variety of options, up to the armored corps. Production of this car continues to this day.
In 1991, the year demonstrates the new Mercedes S-class W140, a huge car of its size, has introduced the brand in the computer era. But the main thing is that he was the first in which an engine V12, and not by accident that the flagship called 600SEL, in honor of the legendary limousine, which in many dimensions have yielded new W140-mu. The V12 also in 1992, put on the R129 (600SL) and the new C140 coupe 600SEC.
In 1993, the year is a fundamental change in the nominal system of automobiles. If you look at history, the primary classification was the volume of the engine and when the body is produced from one or two engines system justifies itself. But by the 1980s, when the same body offered up to ten engines, the system itself has developed. A striking example of the model W201 which was called 190, though equipped with the same two-liter M 102 engine, which Mercedes-Benz 200 123 families. But to avoid such intersections with other engines, had to W201 with 2.5 liter engines called 190E 2.5. It was also a flagship S-Class such as a car V116 with 6.9 liter engine M100 450SEL 6.9 was not to confuse it with the W100 600 limousine. This system has been used in the U.S. market, where all the models were designated as Series 124 Mercedes-Benz 300 with an indication of the engine. 1993rd year put an end to the confusion: now Mercedes distributed their cars into classes, each of which had its own body. In general, the system has developed over many years, as most of the models had their own letter with the notation. Such as cars Sonderklasse (special class) were S-class. Also happened to Sport Leicht (Light sport) - SL-Class; Geländewagen (SUV) - G-Class. The complexity of the cars was replaced W124 and W201-mu. The fact is that if all the other cars have had a particular classification, the 124 series, like its predecessors were "basic", and letter codes for them was not provided. Letter refers to the type of engine: E (Einspritzmotor) meant a carburetor instead of fuel injection, and D corresponded to diesel. However, after the 1989 carbureted engines on the 124 series is not set, and most of these sedans were designated E. The reform instead of fuel injection, this letter received value Exekutivklasse. In connection with the appearance of a respectable representatives of the W201 series 124 have become less widespread. Rename the symbol "E-class" also coincided with a significant upgrade car.
At this time, there was a successor W201 - W202. This is not a cheap alternative to the middle class, and a more or less massive (for the brand Mercedes-Benz) car. Mercedes-Benz focuses on quality and variety. Series designation is Comfortklasse. Unlike the W201 wagon version appears here - S202. And in addition to a huge choice of engine models are available in different lines of execution, differing external and internal parts.
In 1995, the year demonstrates the new Mercedes E-Class W210. The car was the first in which the brand has adopted a new standard stayliniga in the form of four headlamps. But the main advantage of the car was the fact that most of the diesel engines were the new technology Common Rail. The car also like the C-Class station wagon version was (S210) and the different lines of execution.
In the mid-90's brand is fundamentally changing their policies to new cars. If dating back 1950 all cars were created in the name of the highest quality with the latest technologies, all that has changed. The top companies have accountants which was more important to save and availability. This directly affected the quality of the cars. The first decision was the expansion of accountants range of cars, and in 1996, the 97-th years three new classes.
The first of them: SLK-Class model R170. SLK - Sport-Leicht-Kurz, (light-sport-short), in other words, was the younger brother of "heavy» SL. The compact roadster was the first in the history of Mercedes-metal top, for 25 seconds automatically retracts into the trunk. The car had particular success selling to buyers of the fair sex. The second innovation is the new coupe M-Class W163, which was partly produced in the United States as part of the globalization Mercedes'a. In contrast to the square G-wagen'a, ML could successfully compete with other SUVs of the U.S. market.
The third novelty is the new compact A-Class W168, which finally made the Mercedes available to all segments of the middle class and quickly became a success among European buyers. The car had excellent data on fuel economy, and despite the small overall dimensions, it is quite roomy interior. But the reputation of the car was severely damaged when a moose in the test at a speed of 37 km / h [source not specified 615 days] vehicle overturned. In order not to undermine its prestige, the company had to return back more than 130 million cars and put them on ESP. In the 2001 version was launched V168 with a long base, and all were released 1.8 million such vehicles.
At the same time in 1996, Mercedes decided to further streamline its system of classification. The first "victim" was the S-Class Coupe, CL-Class (Comfort Leicht - Lightweight comfort), which just coincided with a cosmetic upgrade C140. But then in 1996, the year to replace the coupe and convertible E-Class (C124 and A124) appears CLK-Class (Comfort Leicht Kurz - lightweight comfort shortened) and with it the model W208. But though outwardly the new coupe and convertible have been stylized by W210-th E-Class, in fact, both have body W202-th C-Class as a base.
In 1999, the year happens to another historical event for Mercedes'a, he buys the tuning company AMG which has been so since the official tuner of 1992, and during that time has released a range of sports cars, including the 190E 3.5 AMG (92-93 ), C36 AMG (1993-1996), E60 AMG (1993-1995), E36 AMG (1993-1997), SL60 AMG (1993-1995), etc. Since then, for many classes had the AMG version as expensive alternatives for those who wanted a sharper sports riding. AMG simultaneously helping to create the first version of Gran Turismo coupe based on the S208 CLK. The result - a racing car Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR which has been available to customers (a very wealthy buyers) who had a 6.9-liter V12 producing 612 hp and a top speed of over 320 km / h
Mercedes completes a decade starting two new cars S-, CL-Class, severed in 1998, the year. The model W220 was able to fully implement the new idioms of compactness and economy. The car was almost 300 kg lighter and 120mm shorter than its predecessor, but it has managed to increase the internal volume through the use of more compact devices and their rationalization. Motor series has also been generally weaker W140-x especially the flagship S600, but they were much less fuel and are much more environmentally friendly. Profile of the new CL-Class C215 was similar to the sedan, but the coupe looks at a number of parts used to distinguish the cars, including the trendy at the time chetyrehfarny before that fit like a "big brother» CLK. Both cars showed another standard for future brand models XXI-st century - the saturation of the electronics.

Latest Innovations 1990 is the new C-Class W203 that looks at a lot of styling borrowed from the W220-th S-Class, including in terms of compactness of the design (externally reduced within enlarged). In addition to touring, the car also had a version of the 3-door liftback (CL203). Like its predecessor were available several different lines of performance, and a huge range of engines from the most economical diesel Common Rail to sports eights AMG.

2000-e
For ten years, Mercedes-Benz has expanded twice its range (in 1993, there were only five classes of vehicles, in 1999 there were already ten). But it is a constant search for cheap money played on the fundamental characteristics of the brand - quality. Sophisticated instruments are applied on cars sample the second half of the 90 often broke and the beginning of the new millennium, the reputation of the brand once the vanguard of the automotive world, has fallen sharply. This especially affected the traditional buyers Mercedes'a the upper classes and the elite, for whom such W220 was just an enlarged E-class rather than an executive car.
The first model of the new millennium was the long-awaited replacement SL-Class R230 in 2001. This car, like the SLK was taking shape in the top of the trunk. The most successful model was the SL55 AMG version with a 5.5 liter V8 engine with a supercharger capacity of about 500 hp, providing vehicle characteristics: acceleration (0-100 km / h) 4.5 seconds, and top speed when removing the limiter could reach 300 km / h Machine for several years held the record as the fastest car with automatic transmission, and this despite the fact that the inferior model SL55 SL65 AMG with a V12. In 2008, the car gets a major upgrade design front, the new version of AMG SL63, as well as on the basis of the safety car in Formula 1 creates a so-called spetsseriya "black series» SL65 AMG.

In mid-2002 there was a new E-Class W211. Unlike W210 car was more externally and internally (especially when you take into account that it is built on the same compact scheme as W220 and W203) and a much more prestigious, fully blended into the definition of a business class. For example, luxury features such as leather seats and wood interior trim (previously expensive option) on the W211 was "in the standard." Like its predecessor, the car was produced in the form of a sedan and a station wagon form, the last of the largest in the history of the brand.

In May 2002, the premiere of the new CLK-Class W209. The car made even stronger role sports coupe (and convertible) and the younger brother of CL looks like a star moved to the center of the rack. Like its predecessor, the body was borrowed from the W203 C-class, but styled W211 E-Class. If the W208 was famous for his spetsseriey CLK-GTR, then the W209-two of them were. AMG in 2003, he released a series of special-100 CLK-DTM car that was based on the DTM race version, and in 2007, the year there was so-called. Black series CLK63 AMG, which served as the basis for the safety car in Formula 1.
In the mid-2000s Mercedes produces about ten new models, including a replacement for the input in the mid-1990s. In 2004 there is a new A-Class W169. If his predecessor had left a deep scar on the history and reputation of the brand, but this time the Mercedes-Benz did not let history repeat itself. Due to the emergence of many other compact cars such as competitors, Mercedes has given to this type of car its main features - the quality and reliability. In 2004, as the premiere of the "ladies" Roadster R171 SLK-Class, which was slightly larger than its predecessor. And in 2005, the M-Class has been updated new model W164.
At the same time Mercedes-Benz continues to launch new cars. Taking the compact nature of the A-Class and the increasing size in 2005, the company receives two new classes. First minivan B-Class T245, which is dubbed as Mercedes' compact sports tourer. " Second, a major crossover R-Class W251, nicknamed the "grand sport tourer" is designed primarily for the American market. Last innovation was developed on the basis of W211 E-Class coupe, formerly the only four-door. Model S219 CLS-Class (CLS - Comfort Leicht Sonder or "special lightweight comfort") creates the illusion of a sports coupe, while remaining sedan.
In 2005, the year is the turn of the launch of new models S and CL Class W221 car view and C216. Cars, demonstrated a new idioms styling brand, includes elements of "retro" as the wide wheel arches and larger volumes, giving the cabin has not seen before S-class size. The car is literally "crammed" the very latest technology and equipment. The flagship of the series is not 600 th model and the S65 and CL65 AMG with its powerful engine V12.
After the upgrade, the S-Class is the turn of the C-Class and the beginning of 2007, the premiere of the new W204, the car was traditionally styled like a small version of the S-Class, but here the build quality differences. Like previous generations, the choice was offered a sedan and wagon. But the performance of the three lines that used to be visible only to the trained eye, were very different in the taste of the buyer. Standard Classic, luxurious Elegance (distinguished himself more luxurious leather interior and technology) and sporty Avantgarde which can be easily distinguished by the lattice located at the center of the star. In 2008, a number of added a new CLC-Class (CLC - Comfort-Leicht-Coupe or a slight comfort coupe). Despite the fact that the body remains the same - CL203, exterior styling has been updated under the standard 204's.
In the second half of the 2000s, the company introduces two new classes of SUVs. The first model of the SUV GL-Class (X164) is an extended version of W164-M-class. The car at one time intended to replace Geländewagen'a but for reasons of the success of the last idea was dropped and the car further increased in size (GL - Geländewagen Lang, extended SUV), making it a three-row (capacity of seven to nine people). In the year 2008 there was developed on the basis of the versatile S204-C-class srednerazmeony SUV GLK-Class (X204). GLK - Geländewagen-Leicht-Kurz is a shortened light SUV.
Mercedes has repeatedly tried to enter the closed world of almost Gran Turismo, but until 2004, the year of its success was limited. But when, in 2000, Daimler bought a 40% stake in the British company McLaren, there was a unique opportunity. McLaren, dealing mainly in Formula 1, continue to make successful GT such as the McLaren F1. After buying the designers Mercedes-Benz'a and McLaren'a together on a new project, for which the past has developed a powerful supercharged V8 engine capacity of 617 hp In 2004, the supercar Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren was ready. S199 car was named after the legendary 1955 and the winner of the world championship sports car W196 300SLR. Total by 2009, it is planned to produce 3,500 cars. And the car has been progressively elaborated version of the 722 (641 hp power is named after a race-winning car number W196 300SLR) and 722 GT (671 hp). It is planned to complete a series of 75 cars SLR Stirling Moss, named in honor of the winning driver Stirling Moss, who will have the doors form "seagull", as were 300SLR'e.
Mercedes finished the decade starting the new E-Class W212 at the beginning of 2009. With the new sedan in place CLK-Class came and E-Coupe (C207) as part of the E-class (which is developed on the basis of W204-C-class). And in August, appeared wagon S212. Convertible A207 to be launched in 2010, the year. The very new family of E-Class has achieved great success in the economic and environmental indicators. In place of the opening lineup of gasoline Supercharged engines come with a new type of direct fuel injection (CGI - Stratified (Charged Gasoline Injection)) with a twin-turbocharged, all except the flagship 8-cylinder models, wearing icon BlueEfficiency.

Birth of a car

1883 October 1 - Karl Benz founded the company "Benz & Co.. Reinisch Gazmotoren-Fabrik, Mannheim "in the form of an open trade company together with businessman Max Kaspar Rose and Friedrich Wilhelm Esslinger merchant.
, 1883, 16 and 23 December - Gottlieb Daimler defends his "gas engine with the ignition from the hot tube" patent DRP No. 28022. He also obtained a patent DRP No. 28243 on the system "engine speed control by the exhaust valve" These two patents - the basis for the first high-speed internal combustion engine.
1885 August 29 - Daimler records Reitwagen («horse carriage") with "gas or gasoline engine" as the patent DRP No. 36423. «Reitwagen» - the world's first cycle of the engine.
1886 January 29 - For his three-wheeled motor carriage Karl Benz received a patent DRP No. 37435 - "birth certificate" of the car.
1886 - Daimler Motor Carriage with
In contrast, a patented motor carriages Benz, Daimler's first car was a coach with the usual link suspension control - common carriage, but without the horses.
1888 August - Bertha Benz with her two sons, Eugene and Richard goes to the first longest journey in automobile history. It uses a patented Benz car and travels from Mannheim to Pforzheim.
1888 September 29 - After Daimler license package for the U.S., piano manufacturer William Steinway founded the «Daimler Motor Company» to Long Island in New York City
1889 - Gottlieb Daimler unveils new two-cylinder V engine, delivering 1.5 hp at 600 rev / min.
1889 - Daimler car with steel wheels.
Further development of Daimler and Maybach implemented by installing steel wheels and two-cylinder V-engine.
1890 Spring - Wilhelm Maybach built the first four-cylinder, four-stroke engine. The machine weighs 153 kg, 5 HP supplies at 620 rev / min.
1890 November 28 - Notary Certificate Stuttgart, was officially registered Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG).
1892 October - Wilhelm Maybach and Gottlieb Daimler develop "Phoenix» (Phoenix), which will later be installed in cars, boats and airplanes.
1893 May 26 - British businessman Frederick Richard Simms opens «Daimler Motor Syndicate Ltd.» In London. Although he did not initially produce cars and engines, marks the beginning of the creation of the British car industry.
Karl Benz was granted a patent DRP No. 73515 for dual control rod and starts making four-wheel vehicles "Victoria".
Wilhelm Maybach develops carburetor injection nozzle, the predecessor of the modern carburetor.
1894 - Benz patented «Velo-Motorwagen» («Velociped»), the first series of cars in the world.
1894 July 22 - The drive vehicles between Paris and Rouen was the first race. Started 21 participants, 15 run to the end, including nine licensed motor vehicles with Daimler Panhard-Levassor and 3-hp Benz «Vis-#-Vis.»
1895 March 18 - Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft in Kronstadt delivers the world's first truck with two-cylinder engine, 4 horsepower
1897 Summer - Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft is «Phönix». This is the first type of cars with engines in the front.
1897 June 16 - The first motorized taxi, Daimler «Victoria" with a "taxi" transport entrepreneur comes to Stuttgart. Friedrich Griner launches the world's first motorized taxi company.
Benz & Co.. develops the first cylinder engine that Benz called «contra engine» because the cylinders are installed opposite each other.
Austro-Hungarian diplomat and businessman Emil Jellinek makes delivery of the first Daimler car under the name of his daughter Mercedes. Jellinek also sells cars and Daimler continues to buy cars with more powerful engines from Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft.
1898 October 1 - Gesellschaft delivers the first 4-cylinder engine for the car Daimler Phönix.

Cars
The current classification of passenger cars developed in the mid 90s. Each class (it Klasse) indicates the type of bodywork such as: SL - Sport Leicht (sport light, in other words - a roadster); CLK - Comfort-Leicht-Kurz (Comfort easy short - mid-size sedan); G - Geländewagen (SUV) and m . § On the year 2008 Mercedes-Benz produces the following vehicles:
A-Class
The B-Class
The C-Class
CL-Class
CLC-Class
CLK-Class
CLS-Class
E-Class
G-Class
GL-Class
GLK-Class
M-Class
The R-Class
The S-Class
SL-Class
SLK-Class
SLR McLaren
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
Viano
Significant Cars [edit]
1928: SSK legendary racing car
1930 770 «Grosser Mercedes» solemn and ceremonial car
1934: 500 K
1936: 260 D first diesel car in the world
1938: W195 winner speed records
1939: T80 had to set the land speed record
1953: «Ponton» Models
1954: 300SL «Gullwing»
1959: «Fintail» model
1960: 220SE Cabriolet
1963: The 600 «Grand Mercedes»
1963: Mercedes-Benz 230SL "Pagoda"
1965: Mercedes-Benz S-Class
1966: 300SEL
1969: C111 experimental vehicle
1972: Mercedes-Benz W107 350SL
1974: 450SEL
1974: 240D
1975: 280
1976: 300D
1979: 500SEL and G-Class
1983: 190E 2.3-16
1986: First 'E-Class'
1991: 600SEL
1993: The first 'C-Class'
1995: The first Mercedes-Benz AMG tuned
1995: Mercedes-Benz SL73 AMG largest engine Mercedes-Benz, 7.3 liter V12
1996: Mercedes-Benz SL60 AMG is very rare 6.0l V8, 408 hp, acceleration to "hundreds" of 5.1
1996: Mercedes-Benz RENNtech E7.4RS, fastest road sedan
1997: Mercedes-Benz M-Class
1998: Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR
2004: Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG
2004: Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
2004: Mercedes-Benz CLS
2007: E320, GL320 Bluetec, ML320 Bluetec, R320 Bluetec
Concept Cars


The new concept car Mercedes-Benz F700
Mercedes-Benz C111 - sports car with a fin on the stern
Mercedes-Benz Auto 2000 - 4-door sedan
Mercedes-Benz NAFA - microcar
Mercedes-Benz C112 - sports car concept
Mercedes-Benz F100 - a concept minivan shown in 1991
Mercedes-Benz F200 Imagination - 2-door coupe shown at the 1996 Paris Motor Show
Mercedes-Benz F300 Life Jet - 3-wheel car / motorcycle shown in 1997 at the Frankfurt Motor Show
Mercedes-Benz Vario Research Car - 4 cars in one
Mercedes-Benz Vision SLR - prototype Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, shown in 1999 at the North American Auto Show
Mercedes-Benz Vision SLA - an open version of the Vision SLR, shown in 2000 at the North American Auto Show
Mercedes-Benz F400 Carving - 2-seater roadster, shown at the 2002 Tokyo Motor Show
Mercedes-Benz Vision GST - minivan, a prototype of the R-Class presented in 2002 at the North American Auto Show
Mercedes-Benz F500 Mind - 4-door sedan, shown in 2003 at the Tokyo Motor Show
Mercedes-Benz F600 Hygenius - compact car fuel cell, shown in 2005 at the Tokyo Motor Show
Mercedes-Benz Bionic - a car with a low coefficient of drag, shown in 2005 at the DaimlerChrysler Innovation Symposium in Washington, which is based on tropical fish
Mercedes-Benz Ocean Drive - 4-door sedan, based on the S600
Mercedes-Benz F700 - large prestigious 4-passenger sedan with the experimental economical gasoline-diesel engine, shown in 2007 at the Frankfurt Motor Show
Mercedes-Benz Vision GLK - a prototype GLK-Class with the engine BLUETEC, shown in 2008 at the North American Auto Show
Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION - a three-door hatchback, unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 2008.
Mercedes-Benz BlueZero - a series of three concept cars (BlueZero E-Cell, BlueZero E-Plus Cell and BlueZero F-Cell), reflecting the approach of the brand for environmentally friendly vehicles. The series is presented to the public at the North American Auto Show in 2009.
Mercedes-Benz F-CELL Roadster - a concept car based on the Benz Patent Motorwagen 1886
Mercedes-Benz ESF 2009 - concept, built on the Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid. Is an experimental vehicle with Advanced Security.
Mercedes-Benz F800 Style - a concept that represents a thread of "eco-Mercedes" - a diesel hybrid and hydrogen plant.
Buses


Mercedes-Benz Citaro
Main article: Buses Mercedes
Mercedes-Benz also produces buses, mainly for Europe and Asia.
The first plant built outside Germany after the Second World War, was a plant in Argentina. The plant was originally made trucks, many of which were subsequently modified buses, commonly called Colectivo. Today the plant is collected buses, trucks and Sprinter Van.
Lineup of Mercedes-Benz buses includes all modern classes of buses:
Mini-buses: Sprinter, Vario, Medio;
city ​​models: Cito, Citaro, Conecto (modification of C, G, O), Capacity;
Commuter: Integro (Series H, L), Citaro (modified U, LU, GU, MU), Conecto (modified U, H, E);
Travel: Tourino, Travego (modified RH, RHD, L, M), Tourismo (RHD, SHD), Intouro (RH, RHD).
Vans

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Mercedes produces a wide range of vans. To date issued:
Mercedes-Benz Vito - light van based on the basis of Mercedes-Benz Viano with a capacity of about 1 ton
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter - mid-size van with capacity from 2 to 6 tons (U.S. and Canada is available under the Dodge brand with the name Freightliner Sprinter Vito. Co-production.)
Sprinter 414/416CDI Ambulance
Sprinter 316CDI light Ambulance
Mercedes-Benz Vario - Heavy van with a capacity comparable to that of light trucks (7.5 tons)
Previous models:
Mercedes-Benz TN or T1 - Mid-size van, the predecessor Sprinter
Mercedes-Benz T2 - Heavy van
All previous models on the German Wiki
Trucks

Truck mixer chassis Mercedes-Benz Actros
At the moment, Mercedes offers the following range of trucks:
Mercedes-Benz Atego - a series of low-tonnage trucks (7-16 tons capacity)
Mercedes-Benz Axor - Medium-series trucks (18-26 tons capacity), can be equipped with tractor units for semi-trailers
Mercedes-Benz Actros - a series of large-tonnage trucks and tractors for semi-trailers (18-50 tons capacity)
Mercedes-Benz Econic - low version of the Axor for garbage or highly specialized applications
Mercedes-Benz Unimog - universal truck for special use (there is a wide range of optional attachments) and transport in extreme conditions
Mercedes-Benz Zetros - truck for operation in extreme off-road
1828L (F581) - Mobile Emergency Centre
1517L - Mobile Emergency Centre
Tuning

Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG
Mercedes cars are popular among discerning purchasers and therefore several companies engaged in setting up and fine-tuning the cars of this brand, adding more power and comfort of the brand.
AMG - Mercedes tuning division, specializing in high-performance versions of Mercedes cars. AMG engines are built by hand, finished engines are labeled by the signature engineer who built the engine. AMG is wholly owned by Mercedes since 1999.
BRABUS - tuning division, specializing primarily in cars brand Mercedes-Benz, as well as other, produced by concern Daimler AG, cars brand Maybach and Smart.
BRABUS offers a simple tuning program for the popular and inexpensive models Mercedes-Benz, low-profile tires, spoiler, body kit, carbon fiber spoilers, wheels forged their own design, and more serious modernization associated with deep intervention in the technical stuffing cars. However, most customers just pay for the full car tuning and thorough modernization of the engine, so BRABUS and became known. The company builds its engines on the basis of the factory mersedesovskih, altering almost all the details.
Mercedes-Benz Center

Mercedes-Benz Museum
Mercedes-Benz Center - a large complex institutions, the most significant of which - the Museum of Mercedes-Benz - Automobile Museum, located in Stuttgart, Germany. The complex also includes the headquarters of Mercedes-Benz. Also, it can be attributed to the Mercedes-Benz Arena is the home stadium of football club Stuttgart. Stuttgart is home to the Mercedes-Benz brand and the headquarters of Daimler AG. The building, which is just outside the main gate of Daimler factory in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim, was designed by UNStudio. The general outlines of the building height 47.5 m outside and inside resembles intertwined ribbons of DNA: as if speaking of "family resemblances" in the new models. The museum opened on 19 May 2006. [4]
For the first time Mercedes-Benz Museum was opened in 1936 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the invention of the automobile. After 25 years the museum has been expanded and moved to a new building at the plant in Untertürkheim. 100-year anniversary gave impetus to the last major update collections
In 2009, 3 years after the discovery of its architecture museum won the Hugo Geringa. This prize, awarded every three years, are awarded exemplary building in Baden-Württemberg.
Mercedes Magazine

Mercedes-Benz Magazin
The first issue of the magazine in Russian came out in July 2002. The magazine began publication 19 national concern Daimler AG. The magazine introduces readers with all the latest models and techniques of the famous brand. Since 2003, the magazine is published 6 times a year. In February 2004, during the 5th ceremony of awarding prizes "Automotive Journalist of the Year," the magazine Mercedes is the best corporate publication.
Mercedes-Benz Classic
The first issue was published in 2004 and is published once a year as a supplement to the journal Mercedes Magazin. The magazine also introduces the reader to the history of the brand, cars.
Mercedes-Benz Transport
The magazine focuses on commercial vehicles brands of trucks, vans, special equipment, aftermarket and accessories. The publication introduces readers to new products and services and is being operated commercial vehicles.
Magazine «Mercedes-Benz Transport» published in Russian 4 times a year.
Mercedes-Benz TV

July 12, 2007 Mercedes-Benz has launched its own Internet broadcast television. [1] Premiere took place with the opening of the Berlin Fashion Week, Mercedes-Benz [7]. Internet TV is broadcast in two languages ​​- German and English. Presenter - Tania Byutler. 15 November 2008 launched an updated service.
In the souvenir and game production



Cake with company logo
Models at different scales and the level of detail produced by many companies, such as AUTOArt, Minichamps, Altaya, etc. Also, in France from August 1, 2007, a magazine series, entirely dedicated to cars of the brand - La légende MERCEDES-BENZ (Rus Legend Mercedes-Benz ).
Computer games with cars Mercedes-Benz:
Mercedes-Benz Truck racing - racing trucks
Mercedes-Benz World Racing - racing arcade with a large number of cars of mark
Mercedes-Benz CLC Dream Test Drive - a promotional game, created in support of the Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class
Mercedes-Benz Accessories

Mercedes-Benz has been producing a variety of accessories with its name, such as stationery items, key chains and more.
Interesting Facts

February 9, 1998 by the President of Georgia, Eduard Shevardnadze, was attacked as he was driving on Tbilisi by car "Mercedes S600». Armored car saved the life of the President, despite the fact that the car was shot gunfire and sustained hit from a grenade launcher. The main strike force took over the 12-cylinder engine.
In the film Slumdog Millionaire, Mercedes-Benz has demanded that its logos have been removed from the scene, where the action takes place in the slums.
Three-beam star on the logo of Mercedes-Benz, developed in 1909, symbolizes the success of the brand on land, in water and in the air. This is because the brand owner company Daimler produced in addition to cars and aircraft engines. Also, a three-beam star means trinity car "Mercedes" for the driver, passenger and mechanics.
In Wörth am Rhein is one of the world's largest plant for the production and assembly of trucks (3 million m ², 80,000 units / year).

Daimler AG
Cars Maybach · Mercedes-Benz · Mercedes-AMG · Smart
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Bus Master Motors · Mercedes-Benz Türk · Orion · Setra / EvoBus · Thomas Built Buses
Mercedes-Benz Vans
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