Mercedes-Benz CEO reveals how ‘Mercedes’ got its name: Know the story behind the star

German carmaker Mercedes is instantly recognizable across the world – both by its name ‘Mercedes-Benz’ and the iconic three-pointed star logo but few know the intriguing history behind this globally-renowned brand. Recently, a video has been doing rounds on social media in which Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kallenius shared the fascinating origin story, revealing the inspiration behind the name.In case you didn’t know, well, here is it.
Mercedes: Where did the iconic name come from
Founded by Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler, the company was initially known as Daimler-Benz under Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft (DMG). After Daimler’s death, Emil Jellinek joined and helped create the Mercedes 35hp in 1900, naming it after his daughter Mercedes, which means “mercy” in Spanish.

The name “Mercedes” didn’t come from a founder or an engineer. Kallenius revealed that it was actually the name of Emil Jellinek’s daughter, Mercedes Jellinek. Emil Jellinek was an Austrian industrialist and a passionate racing enthusiast. The Mercedes-Benz name combines Mercedes Jellinek and Karl Benz. The “Mercedes” name was trademarked in 1902. Although the company continued as Daimler-Benz, the car line became known as Mercedes-Benz.

Impressed by Jellinek’s enthusiasm and his suggestion to name a new car after his daughter, DMG trademarked “Mercedes” in 1902.
Mercedes-Benz: A Star is Born
The Mercedes-Benz logo, featuring a three-pointed star enclosed in a circle, also has a captivating backstory. It is believed to be linked to a postcard sent by their father Gottlieb Daimler in the 1870s. It symbolizes the use of Daimler engines on land, at sea and in the air.
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