140 years of the automobile, 130 years of transport, 100 years of Mercedes-Benz: An anniversary year full of magic moments

• 140 years of innovation since the birth of the automobile: Benz patent in 1886

• 130 years of transport: The first van and the first truck were unveiled in 1896

• 100 years of Mercedes-Benz: Benz & Cie. and Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft merged in 1926

• 50 years since premiere of model series 123: Milestone in the tradition of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class

• 20 years of the Mercedes-Benz Museum: Popular international destination since 2006

  
  

Since Carl Benz registered his patent for the motor car (Motorwagen) in 1886 and Gottlieb Daimler built his motorised carriage (Motorkutsche) shortly afterwards, the history of Mercedes-Benz has for 140 years known only one direction: forward. From Bertha Benz’s legendary pioneering journey to speed records, early milestones in autonomous driving, vision cars and high-tech drive systems: the brand repeatedly demonstrates its unwavering determination to win and how it is constantly rethinking the automobile.

In 2026, this DNA is set to become particularly visible: the 140th anniversary year is defined by the biggest product launch programme in the brand’s history. It starts with the world premiere of the new S-Class on 29 January 2026. The new S-Class has been extensively updated and refined in every detail. Over the next two years, Mercedes-Benz will launch more than 40 new models that blend tradition with innovation and set new standards across all segments. Every model embodies the brand’s promise: to build the world’s most desirable cars. Today’s Mercedes-Benz innovations carry heritage into the future – as a brand that understands progress programmatically, focuses on the needs of people and society, and continually redefines individual mobility.

“The love of inventing never ends.”Carl Benz, 1844 to 1929

“The best or nothing.”Gottlieb Daimler, 1834 to 1900

Two inventors, one goal – the automobile: on 29 January 1886, Carl Benz applied for a patent for his motor car. Shortly afterwards, Gottlieb Daimler built his motor carriage. Together, the two vehicles formed the first link of an unbroken chain of innovation: Since then, Mercedes-Benz continues to reinvent the automobile.

Influencer with a hat pin: with courage and foresight, Bertha Benz embarked on the world’s first long-distance automobile journey in 1888. She drove from Mannheim to Pforzheim, demonstrating the potential of the automobile. Today, she would most likely be a mobility influencer. Bertha’s adventure also meant overcoming obstacles along the way. Some of them were tiny – yet with a major impact: she cleaned a blocked carburettor on the road with her hatpin.

A trademark for 100 years: the iconic Mercedes star logo encircled by a laurel wreath is recognised worldwide. It stands for innovative strength and premium quality. The hallmark was created in 1926 when Benz & Cie. from Mannheim merged with Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG) from Stuttgart. The first joint product range premiered at the German Motor Show in Berlin at the end of 1926.

Performance with efficiency: since the 1920s, the supercharger has been extracting more power from the engines of Mercedes-Benz cars, making models like the S-series (W 06) world-famous from 1927 onwards. Throughout the brand’s long history of innovation, numerous vehicles have redefined drive technology – for performance and efficiency. A revolutionary drive concept with three axial-flow motors will make its series debut in 2026 in the new electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door Coupé based on the AMG.EA high-performance architecture.

Crash safety: energy-absorbing crumple zones at the front and rear, with a rigid passenger cell in between define the safety body invented by Béla Barényi. This milestone in passive safety made its debut in 1959 in the “Fintail” saloons (W 111). In the same year, Mercedes-Benz began systematic crash testing. Safety is a core value of Mercedes-Benz. Active driver assistance systems such as the MB.DRIVE ASSIST can help prevent many accidents today.

Safety – with kind regards: since 1978, the abbreviation ABS has stood for innovative active safety thanks to the Anti-lock Braking System. It made its debut in the S-Class. Mercedes-Benz continues to develop such systems and safety solutions that shape the entire industry. ESP® is another example, the Electronic Stability Programme from 1995. MB.DRIVE driver assistance technologies are now carrying this tradition into the future. With kind regards from Sindelfingen and Stuttgart.

Perfection through endurance testing: new vehicles must prove themselves before they are delivered to customers as series models. Since 2015, Mercedes-Benz has been testing future models over millions of kilometres at the Immendingen Test and Technology Centre. Around 80 per cent of all test drives take place there. In 1928, the young Mercedes-Benz brand went to the then also young Nürburgring for testing, subjecting the new luxury model Type 460 (W 08) with an eight-cylinder engine to the highest levels of stress. For 13 days, it was driven relentlessly around the circuit, covering 20,000 kilometres in the end – and passing the endurance test. As a mark of distinction, the model was given the additional name “Nürburg”.

The following overview lists important anniversaries for 2026:

• 23 January 1951 (75 years ago): Patent application for the safety body by Béla Barényi. The series premiere was in the W 111 “tail fin” saloons in 1959.

• 27 January 1976 (50 years ago): Presentation of Mercedes-Benz model series 123. The Estate and Coupé completed the portfolio soon afterwards.

• 29 January 1886 (140 years ago): Carl Benz applied for a patent for his three-wheeled “vehicle with gas-engine drive” – the birth of the automobile.

• 3 to 8 February 1986 (40 years ago): Mercedes-Benz presented the ASR and ASD assistance systems as well as the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system in Finland.

• 8 March 1886 (140 years ago): Gottlieb Daimler ordered a carriage. The first four-wheeled automobile, with its high-speed combustion engine, was built on this basis.

• 25 to 29 March 1901 (125 years ago): The Mercedes 35 PS dominated the Nice Week. “We have entered the Mercedes era,” summarised the Secretary General of the Automobile Club of France.

• 19 to 29 April 1951 (75 years ago): International Motor Show (IAA) premiere of the prestigious Mercedes-Benz 300 (W 186) and the Mercedes-Benz 220 (W 187) – the precursor to the S-Class.

• 19 May 2006 (20 years ago): Opening of the Mercedes-Benz Museum at the gates of the Untertürkheim plant – a brand fixture that has enjoyed enormous international popularity ever since.

• 25 April to 5 May 1996 (30 years ago): The Mercedes-Benz SLK (R 170) made its debut at the Turin Motor Show. With its steel vario-roof, the Roadster opened up a new market segment.

• 12 to 15 June 1976 (50 years ago): The C 111-II D achieved three world records and 16 class records in Nardò – where the Concept AMG GT XX also became a world record holder in 2025.

• 28/29 June 1926 (100 years ago): Benz & Cie. and Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft merged to form what was then Daimler-Benz AG. The Mercedes-Benz brand was born.

• 30 June 1996 (30 years ago): A Mercedes-Benz C 36 AMG was the brand’s first official Safety Car in Formula 1 at Magny-Cours. Since then, Mercedes-Benz has provided this important vehicle without interruption.

• 31 July 2001 (25 years ago): The Mercedes-Benz SL of model series R 230 celebrated its premiere at Deichtorhallen Hamburg. The Roadster was equipped with numerous innovations.

• 18 August 1896 (130 years ago): Gottlieb Daimler presented the world’s first motorised truck. He sold the first example to the British Motor Syndicate in London.

• 24 August 1986 (40 years ago): The Sauber-Mercedes C8 Group C racing car achieved its first victory at the Nürburgring. It gave the brand impetus for its return to motorsport.

• 12 September 1926 (100 years ago): In the Solitude race, race director Alfred Neubauer used his signalling system to communicate with the drivers for the first time.

• 4 to 14 October 1951 (75 years ago): The sporty and luxurious 300 S (W 188) was presented at the Paris Motor Show as a two-door version of Type 300 (W 186) as a Coupé, Cabriolet A and Roadster. It was the fastest German production car.

• 9 October 1946 (80 years ago): Testing of the Unimog prototype begins. Former Daimler-Benz AG engineers develop the “Universal Motorized Device for Agriculture”. The Unimog was initially built by Boehringer starting in 1949, and from 1951 onwards at the Mercedes-Benz Gaggenau plant.

• 15 October 2006 (20 years ago): Bernd Schneider secured his fifth DTM championship in the DTM race at Le Mans. This makes the current brand ambassador the record champion.

• 5 December 1896 (130 years ago): Benz & Cie. supplied a “delivery vehicle” – the world’s first van. The “Velociped” was also available with a load compartment.

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Mercedes-Benz South Africa celebrates 140 Years of Innovation

On the 29th of January, marking exactly 140 years since Carl Benz filed the patent for the first automobile, Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) gathered at the prestigious Makotopong Car Museum to commemorate a century and a half of automotive transformation.

A Journey Through Time: The Makotopong Collection

The Makotopong Car Museum, a world-class facility housing a pristine collection of over 250 Mercedes-Benz vehicles, served as the ideal backdrop for this milestone. The museum preserves a diverse array models, a tribute to the enduring bond between South Africa and the "Three-Pointed Star."

The collection spans the full spectrum of the brand's heritage, featuring:

• The 1928 Stuttgart Typ 200: The oldest Mercedes-Benz in South Africa.

• Modern Icons: Performance legends such as the Mercedes-Benz SL 600 V12.

• Commercial Heritage: A comprehensive display of vintage Mercedes-Benz vans, Unimogs, buses, and heavy-duty trucks.

  
  

Deep Roots in South African Soil

The relationship between this nation and Mercedes-Benz dates back to 1896 with the arrival of the Benz Velo. This "love affair" evolved into a cornerstone of the local economy when MBSA established its first plant in East London in 1958. Since 1994, the East London facility has been the global production hub for the iconic C-Class - a vehicle built by South Africans, for the world.

Beyond manufacturing, the brand remains defined by its humanity. This was perhaps most profoundly illustrated on 22 July 1990, when East London employees volunteered their own time to hand-craft an S-Class as a gift for Nelson Mandela. This spirit of community and hope continues to drive the brand’s operations and dealer network today.

2026 Product Outlook: The Future of Luxury and Intelligence

In conjunction with the anniversary celebrations, Mercedes-Benz South Africa is proud to announce a host of groundbreaking models arriving in the local market throughout 2026:

The Mercedes-Maybach SL: Sportiness Reimagined

The Mercedes-Maybach SL blends high-performance dynamics with curated luxury. It debuts with two distinct design concepts:

• White Ambience: A dual-tone finish featuring Obsidian Black Metallic over MANUFAKTUR Opalite White Magno.

• Red Ambience: Obsidian Black Metallic contrasted with the new MANUFAKTUR Garnet Red Metallic, featuring a deep-tinted clearcoat for exceptional visual depth.

  
  

The Mercedes-Maybach S680 V12 Edition: A Rare Legacy

Limited to just 50 units globally - with only two destined for South African shores—this edition is a tribute to the legendary V12 engine. Drawing inspiration from the historic Maybach Zeppelin models, it offers bespoke customization through the MANUFAKTUR program, representing the pinnacle of exclusivity.

The All-New Mercedes-Benz CLA: "Car of the Year 2026"

Recently crowned European Car of the Year, the new CLA sets new benchmarks in digital intelligence. Powered by the groundbreaking MB.OS operating system and AI-enhanced MBUX, the CLA provides a seamless, intuitive experience designed to make every driver feel truly at home.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 4MATIC: Sophisticated Versatility

As the refined entry point to the GLC family, the 200 4MATIC features a 150 kW turbocharged engine bolstered by 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. Combined with the 9G-TRONIC transmission and 4MATIC all-wheel drive, it delivers a balance of efficiency and prestige suitable for any terrain.

130 Years of Transportation - A Mercedes-Benz Van story

The story of Mercedes‑Benz Vans began in 1896, when Gottlieb Daimler redefined mobility with the invention of the motorized transporter. From the “enclosed body” delivery van to the versatile, removable-body "combination" van—the world’s first multi-purpose vehicle—the brand was built on a foundation of adapting to customer needs.

Today, 130 years later, that spirit of versatility remains the benchmark. While the Sprinter has become a global synonym for industrial reliability, the V-Class has carved a niche as a pinnacle of luxury and status, standing as one of South Africa’s most coveted people-movers.

“We are immensely proud of the legacy that brought us here. Today, that heritage fuels our position as the leader in South Africa’s large and luxury van segments. And as we look ahead, our excitement only grows, with groundbreaking products and innovative fleet solutions on the horizon, the future promises even more extraordinary possibilities.” Says Beate Mey, Marketing Manager Mercedes-Benz Vans South Africa

A Legacy That Empowers: The Inkanyezi XL

For Mercedes-Benz Vans, history is not a destination, but a launchpad. Nowhere is this "future-forward" mindset more evident than in the recent introduction of the new Inkanyezi XL.

Since its debut in 2021, the Sprinter Inkanyezi has become a symbol of durability and safety for millions of South African commuters. More than just a vehicle, the Inkanyezi is a triumph of local expertise. Meticulously converted in East London, it is specifically engineered to conquer the unique demands of the South African landscape while supporting the national economy.

Redefining the Commuter Experience

The evolution of the Inkanyezi XL is the direct result of Mercedes-Benz listening to the people who power the country: taxi drivers and daily commuters. Building on the 2023 enhancements of the second edition of the Inkanyezi, the new Inkanyezi XL - utilizing the Sprinter Extra Long Base—now features:

• Unprecedented Comfort: leading 70 centimetres of legroom between seats.

• Enhanced Dignity: A cabin designed to transform the daily commute into a premium travel experience.

• Local Craftsmanship: A testament to South African conversion standards that meet global quality benchmarks.

  
  

A Legacy of Partnership and Sustainable Innovation

Following the landmark 2024 launch of the eSprinter, the past year has been defined by more than just product delivery—it has been defined by partnership. Throughout 2025, Mercedes-Benz Vans engaged in a dedicated journey alongside its customers, demonstrating the eSprinter’s capabilities while addressing the unique logistical challenges of the South African landscape.

This hands-on approach has yielded significant success, proving the feasibility of electric fleet operations in the local market.

"We aren't just delivering vehicles; we are walking alongside our customers through a truly sustainable transition," says Mercedes-Benz Vans South Africa. "The success of the eSprinter has proven that South Africa is ready for the future of electric mobility." Beate Mey Marketing Manager Mercedes-Benz Vans South Africa.

Expanding the Electric Portfolio: The EQV

In a further commitment to sustainable luxury, 2025 marked the South African debut of the EQV, the first all-electric passenger van of its kind in the region. The EQV sets a new benchmark for premium, locally emission-free transportation, offering discerning customers the perfect blend of environmental responsibility and the unparalleled comfort synonymous with the three-pointed star.

The Future: The All-New VLE Architecture

These strategic strides lay the foundation for the most significant transformation in the division’s history: the all-new VLE. As the first model built on a modular and scalable van architecture, the VLE represents a departure from traditional design into a new era of purpose-built electric versatility.

"Some innovations change industries. Some change history. Ours changed humanity. Here’s to 140 years of innovation—and to the extraordinary future we will create together."  - Alexandra Boavida, VP Sales and Marketing, MBSA