HOW A POOR BOY CREATED A MERCEDEZ-BENZ

Mercedes-Benz, a company now worth approximately 80 billion dollars and known for its luxury cars, has a history that began with humble origins. The story starts with a struggling engineer who faced numerous doubts and setbacks in his quest to create the world's first horseless carriage. Despite the challenges, he defied expectations and transformed his small venture into the world's first major production car company in the late 19th century.

However, this inspiring success story took a dark turn when the company profited from supplying military vehicles to the Nazis, utilizing forced laborers. Today, we delve into the incredible tale of Mercedes-Benz and the visionary behind it, Carl Benz.

Born in November 1844 in the German town of Muhlberg, Carl Benz came from a modest background. His father, a locomotive driver, passed away when Carl was only two years old, leaving the family in financial hardship. Despite growing up in poverty and enduring hunger, Carl's mother ensured he received a good education.

Carl showed early brilliance in subjects like chemistry and mechanics, and he pursued mechanical engineering at the University of Karlsruhe. It was there that he met Professor Ferdinand Rettenbach, a significant influence who ignited Carl's interest in the concept of a motorized carriage.

After graduating, Carl worked various engineering and construction jobs for seven years, gaining practical experience. All the while, he pursued his dream of creating a motorized vehicle. Many inventors had attempted to build the first automobile, often based on steam engine technology. Under Rettenbach's guidance, Carl realized the need for a different approach.

In 1871, at the age of 27, Carl partnered with mechanic August Ritter to operate an iron foundry and mechanical workshop in Mannheim. He continued working on his motorized carriage project, experimenting and developing a gasoline two-stroke engine in 1879. To generate more income, he patented various inventions related to engines, ignition, and other components.

Carl's business struggled in its early years, with tools being impounded by authorities and unreliable partners. However, a turning point came when he met Bertha Ringer, who later became his wife. Bertha's financial support allowed Carl to buy out his unreliable partner, putting the business back on track.

During the next decade, while facing numerous challenges, Carl made significant strides in his experiments and developments. He transitioned from adding motors to carriages to building a vehicle around the engine, culminating in what many consider the first true automobile—the Benz Patent Motorwagen—in 1885.

This innovative two-seater vehicle, powered by a gasoline four-stroke engine, ran on three wire wheels and reached speeds of around 7 miles per hour. However, initial reception was mixed, with some enthusiastic supporters but also skepticism and safety concerns.

Despite the obstacles, Carl and Bertha Benz believed in the future of automobiles. In 1888, Bertha took an audacious trip, embarking on a 66-mile journey to visit her mother without informing Carl or the police. Her adventure showcased the potential of Benz's invention and garnered significant attention.

The trip ignited public interest, and Benz's business began to grow. He continued to develop and patent innovations, expanding the product line. However, internal conflicts and differences with business partners led to Carl's departure from his own company in 1903.

Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft (DMG), another prominent German automaker, emerged as a competitor, especially with the introduction of the revolutionary Mercedes 35 horsepower in 1901. This vehicle set new standards for automobiles and inspired a rebranding of all DMG vehicles as Mercedes.

As competition intensified, both DMG and Benz & Cie. produced impressive models in the late 1920s. Economic challenges, World War I, and the aftermath of the Potsdam Agreement had profound impacts on the companies. Forced labor became a dark chapter in their history during World War II, with prisoners, detainees, and civilians subjected to harsh conditions.

Post-World War II, Daimler-Benz faced significant challenges but managed to rebuild and thrive, with iconic models like the Mercedes-Benz 170V. By the 1950s, Mercedes-Benz regained prominence in motorsports and global sales.

Despite his departure from the company, Carl Benz's legacy remained a driving force behind Mercedes-Benz's success. His pioneering spirit and determination paved the way for a brand that would become synonymous with luxury and innovation in the automotive world.