From Racetrack To An Icon: How One Man’s Request For ‘Mercedes’ Defined The Global Brand

The Mercedes-Benz name is well-known, but its history is quite interesting. Originally, the brand was called Daimler. This information recently became popular after Mercedes-Benz CEO Sten Ola Källenius shared the story in a viral video.

In an interview with American lawyer David Rubenstein, Källenius explained how the name came about. When the company was founded in 1886 by Gottlieb Daimler, it was known as Daimler. Wilhelm Maybach was the chief engineer at the time.

Fifteen years later, Austrian businessman Emil Jellinek asked Daimler and Maybach to create a powerful engine for a race in Nice, France. Jellinek wanted to win the race and had one condition: the car had to be named after his daughter, Mercedes.

Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius shares how the name ‘Mercedes’ came about. pic.twitter.com/h7xh29lYv3

— Historic Vids (@historyinmemes) June 12, 2024

 Mercedes: From Race Car to Icon

Daimler and Maybach succeeded, giving Jellinek a winning car with a powerful engine. They named the car ‘Mercedes’ as Jellinek requested. Daimler liked the name so much that they decided to use it for the car model, although the company’s name remained Daimler.

According to Benz’s website, ‘Mercedes’ was officially registered as a brand name on June 23, 1902, and was legally protected by September 26 of the same year. By June 1903, Jellinek was allowed to use the name ‘Jellinek-Mercedes.’

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In 1907, Jellinek became the Austro-Hungarian Consul General and later the Mexican Consul. He retired from the automotive business in 1909 to focus on his diplomatic role. Jellinek remained interested in cars until he passed away on January 21, 1918.

One person commented, “This is fascinating; I never knew this.” Another said, “The name ‘Mercedes’ has a nice meaning and reflects kindness.” Someone else noted, “It’s a great story, but I hope Mercedes improves its quality.”

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