Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz is a brand for automobiles from the Daimler-Chrysler company (formerly known as Daimler-Benz. The logo is a three-pointed star enclosed in a circle. Three of the main figures involved in creating the Mercedes-Benz was Karl Benz, Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach.

Mercedes-Benz was formed in 1926 with the merger of the Daimler and Benz companies, which since 1886 had independently produced cars. Cars for the Daimler company were named Mercedes in the early 20th century, after Emil Jennilek, an agent for the sale of Daimler's vehicles in France (have to check this), insisted the cars he sold had to be named after his daughter.

From its origin, Mercedes-Benz vehicles have been expensive, some very expensive and rare, justifying their cost with an image (mostly justified) of superior engineering, quality, and service. They have often been the vehicles of choice of the rich and famous - the Grosser limousine of the 1930's is now indelibly associated with the Nazi government of the time. Though mainly known for their luxury limousines, they have also produced some notable sports cars, including the 300SL of 1955.

Their products have been known for the introduction of advanced technologies to cars - notably fuel injection and anti-lock braking systems, amongst others.

• The official web site is http://www.mercedes.com/