Mercedes-Benz (originally Daimler-Benz) traces its origins to 1886, when Karl Benz created the first petrol-powered car, and Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach's separate automotive developments. The company was formally established in 1926 through the merger of Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft and Benz & Cie, and is headquartered in Stuttgart, [[Germany]]. Key developments: - 1886: First petrol car by Karl Benz - 1926: Merger forming Daimler-Benz - 1998-2007: DaimlerChrysler period (merger with Chrysler) - 2007: Chrysler sale, becoming Daimler AG - 2022: Renamed to Mercedes-Benz Group AG Ownership: - Publicly traded company - Major shareholders include: * BAIC Group (Chinese automotive company, ~10%) * [[Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA)]] (~6.8%) * Geely Group (Chinese, ~9.7%) * Institutional and retail investors The company is known for luxury vehicles, commercial vehicles, and automotive innovation, maintaining its position as one of the world's premier automotive manufacturers.