Unveiling the Identity Behind the German Automotive Giant's Name

Did U Know - Mercedes-Benz, the globally renowned automotive giant, traces its rich history to visionaries Gottlieb Daimler, Wilhelm Maybach, and Karl Benz. Initially named DMG (Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft) at its inception, the company later underwent a name change. Join us as we explore the fascinating origin of the name 'Mercedes' an integral chapter in the brand's captivating narrative.

The Mercedes 35 HP was conceptualized by two Germans, Paul Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach, in 1901 for Emil Jellinek. (Picture from: FavCars)

The name itself is intrinsically linked to the life of Mercedes Adrienne Ramona Manuela Jellinek, born in Vienna in 1889. Interestingly, Mercedes Jelinek was not an automotive enthusiast, engineer, or one of the company's founders. Instead, she was the adored daughter of Emil Jellinek, an Austrian businessman with residences in Baden near Vienna and Nice. So, who was Emil Jellinek, and how did his daughter become the namesake of a globally renowned car brand?

Emil Jellinek and his beloved daughter Mercedes who's her name patented by the German automotive manufacturer DMG for its commercially used since 1926, and currently known as Mercedes-Benz. (Picture from: AutoGlobeMagz)

Emil Jellinek, captivated by the swiftly advancing automotive industry, discovered an advertisement for the Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft (DMG) car manufacturer in 1896. Intrigued, he traveled to Cannstatt, Germany, to explore the DMG factory. Impressed by his visit, Jellinek not only bought one of their cars but also embarked on selling them. Furthermore, fueled by his passion for racing, Jellinek entered the 1899 Nice-La Turbie racing event with his DMG car, bearing the name of his cherished daughter, Mercedes.

The Mercedes 35 HP was made in Stuttgart, Germany by Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft or DMG (currently Daimler AG). (Picture from: BenzInsider)

The impact was significant. By the following year, Emil Jellinek had sold more than 30 automobiles, prompting him to push DMG for faster, lighter, and overall superior vehicles. This led to a pivotal moment on April 2, 1900, when Wilhelm Maybach, DMG's chief designer, commenced the production of a car tailored to Jellinek's requests. Priced at 500,000 Goldmarks, the new model was named the Mercedes 35 HP and was officially launched on December 22, 1900.

DMG's classic flyer advertisement made 
for its Mercedes car products. (Picture from:  
BenzInsider)

The Mercedes 35 HP, initially designed for racing, garnered attention with its powerful engine weighed approximately 230 kg with weight-power ratio is 6.6 kg per hp, was mounted above the front axle without additional sub frames to improve its center of gravity.

Further, the engine had four cylinders with a total displacement of 5,918-liter. These were arranged in pairs wherein each pair had a spray-nozzle carburetor. It was cooled using Maybach’s tubular radiator or the honeycomb radiator. The engine's peak power output was 35 hp.

The vehicle featured non-removable wooden wheels with 12-spoke design, steel covers and pneumatic tires. It had two braking systems. One is the hand brake, and the other is the foot brake. It sported a wheelbase of 2,345 m and a track of 1,400 m.  Overall, the car’s weight was estimated to be 1,200 kg.

At the time, the Mercedes 35 HP made as much as 36 unit, and the name 'Mercedes' was later patented as a trademark in 1902. Since then DMG's sales took off, while the newspaper reported: 'We have entered the Mercedes era.'  When the car named after her became a new craze, little Mercedes was only 11 years old.

Five of Mercedes 35 HP were used to compete in the Nice-La Turbie racing event in March 1901. (Picture from: BenzInsider)

Finally, in 1926, DMG merged with engineer Karl Benz's company, giving rise to the iconic Mercedes-Benz brand and firmly establishing Jellinek's name in history once and for all. During this period, DMG openly acknowledged that the Mercedes name held substantial selling power and, surprisingly, brought about some good fortune as well.

Emil Jellinek once said, "Victories make you world-famous. People buy the winning brand, and always will. It would be commercial suicide to stay away from racing." Perhaps this quote also served as inspiration, propelling these German automotive brands to persist in competing in various global car racing events to this day. Indeed, its efficacy has been proven over time.

The Mercedes 35 HP, initially designed for racing, garnered attention with its powerful front-mounted engine weighed approximately 230 kg with weight-power ratio is 6.6 kg per hp. (Picture from: BenzInsider)

However, the story takes a tragic turn for the Jellinek family. During World War I, Emil Jellinek faced accusations of spying, leading to the confiscation of all his properties. In 1918, he passed away in exile in Switzerland. Mercedes, too, faced challenges—a life marked by two failed marriages, financial struggles, and a heartbreaking death from bone cancer in 1929, just shy of her 40th birthday.😢 | JBL_G-C51Dk |

The tale of Mercedes Jellinek and her father Emil Jellinek serves as a poignant reminder that behind the glitz and glamour of success lie untold challenges and tragedies. As we delve into the origins of the iconic Mercedes name, we are reminded that life's journey is often a rollercoaster, with both highs and lows. C'est la vie!😊 *** [EKA [24072019] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MERCEDES-BENZ | BENZINSIDER ]

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