Founders of Daimler-Benz
Daimler-Benz
Daimler-Benz AG was a German manufacturer of automobiles, motor vehicles, and internal combustion engines; founded in 1926. When Benz & Cie. and Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft formally merged-becoming Daimler-Benz AG (Aktiengesellschaft) it was officially decided that thereafter, all of the factories would use the brand name of “Mercedes-Benz” on their automobiles. Although Daimler-Benz is best known for its Mercedes-Benz automobile brand, during World War II it also created a remarkable line of aircraft, tank, and submarine engines. Daimler also produced parts for German arms, particularly barrels for the Mauser rifle. Gottlieb Daimler was the first man to harness with any true degree of success a combustion engine into a road vehicle. Granted there were horseless vehicle predecessors to Daimler’s motorcycle but Daimler’s
was the first recognized internal combustion vehicle and the first to incorporate a practical transmission system. Shortly after Daimler applied for his combustion motor patent, Carl Benz of Mannheim, Germany was granted a German patent covering a three-wheel motor car he constructed in 1844. This single cylinder, 3/4 hp, benzene fueled motor car had a combination of belts, chains and gears to transmit power to the rubber tired rear wheels but no gear change was possible. Daimler’s first four-wheeler, a Victoria-type motor driven carriage, was built in 1886. By 1890 demands for Daimler’s engine made expansion necessary and a corporation was formed, the Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft or Daimler Motor Company as it was known in English. Benz, with several associates formed another corporation, Benz & Company, at Mannheim.
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Industry Leaders Magazine | November 2013