Introduction to Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz, one of the oldest and most luxurious car companies, worth around $80 billion, has humble beginnings. It was founded by Carl Benz, a poor engineer who faced many doubts and failures, but proved everyone wrong and turned his small venture into the world’s first and biggest production car company.

Early Life and Career of Carl Benz

Carl’s father passed away when he was 2, leaving his mother to raise him in poverty, but she prioritized his education, allowing him to attend school and discover his brilliance in chemistry and mechanics. At 15, Carl decided to pursue mechanical engineering, attending the University of Carl’s Ruka, where he met Ferdinand Rettenbacher, a key figure in transforming mechanical engineering into a technical science.

• Carl Benz’s interest in horseless carriages began as a regular bicycle rider, experimenting with motorized vehicles.
• Under Professor Rettenbacher’s guidance, Benz realized the need for a different concept, despite initial laughter at his vision.
• After graduating at 19, he spent 7 years working various engineering jobs, using his knowledge to eventually kickstart his own venture.

The Birth of the Automobile

Carl Benz partnered with August Ritter to operate an iron foundry and workshop in 1871, but Ritter proved unreliable, causing the business to struggle. Luckily, Carl met Bertha Ringer, who would become his wife, and she used her dowry to buy out Ritter’s share, placing her and Carl in control of the business.

Carl showed his genius despite struggles, making developments and breakthroughs, including a gasoline two-stroke engine in 1879, and patenting inventions like engine speed regulation and ignition systems.

• In 1885, Benz constructed the first true automobile, a two-seater vehicle with three wheels, powered by a gasoline four-stroke motor.
• The vehicle could go around 7 mph, and after testing, Benz drove it publicly in 1886, receiving mixed reviews.

The Rise of Mercedes-Benz

Carl Benz’s Horseless Carriage was met with skepticism, with many believing it was no quicker than a horse and prone to breakdowns. Despite this, Benz was convinced of its potential and began manufacturing cars in 1888, with his wife as a key supporter.

Bertha Ben embarked on a historic 66-mile journey with her two sons to visit her mother, without informing her husband or the police, to prove the importance of her husband’s automobile invention.

• The Benz motorwagon gained popularity and received great publicity, leading to the expansion of Carl Benz’s business.
• With the help of new business partners, Benz focused on engineering and patented innovations such as the planetary gear transmission and flat engine.

The Dark Past of Mercedes-Benz

The company’s success story took a dark turn when it profited from supplying military vehicles to the Nazis using forced laborers. Daimler Benz increased production to support the war effort, recruiting women and eventually using forced labor, including prisoners of war and concentration camp detainees.

By 1944, nearly half of the company’s 63,000 employees were forced laborers, and the company suffered significantly after the war ended in 1945.

The Resurgence of Mercedes-Benz

After restructuring and denazifying top management, Daimler Benz obtained a production permit from American occupation authorities in 1946. Despite severe bomb damage, the company had the advantage of owning its plant and focused on producing ambulances, police vehicles, and delivery vans.

Mercedes-Benz regained its influence, made a strong comeback in motorsports, and achieved successful sales worldwide, profiting over a billion dollars by 1954. The company completely shifted its image and became one of the most valuable car brands, thanks to the courage and determination of Carl Benz.