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.