Mercedes-Benz, also known simply as "Mercedes," is a German automotive company founded in 1926. Its history has been long and rich in technological developments, innovations, and successes in the field of car racing.

The history of Mercedes begins in 1886, when Karl Benz patented the first gasoline-powered vehicle. Meanwhile, in a nearby city, Gottlieb Daimler was working on a similar invention, the internal combustion engine. In 1900, the two companies merged to form Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG).

In the 1920s, DMG merged with another German automotive company, Benz & Cie., to form Daimler-Benz AG, which would later become known as Mercedes-Benz. The new company focused on producing luxury cars and commercial vehicles. In 1931, Mercedes-Benz created the 170 model, an economical car that would help the company withstand the Great Depression.

During World War II, car production was interrupted, and Mercedes-Benz began producing military vehicles for Nazi Germany. After the war, the company focused on repairing damage to its factories caused by bombing and resuming the production of civilian vehicles.

In the 1950s, Mercedes-Benz entered the world of car racing. In 1952, the company won the Carrera Panamericana in Mexico with its 300 SL Gullwing. In 1954, Mercedes-Benz dominated the Formula 1 World Championship with Juan Manuel Fangio behind the wheel. The company continued to compete and win in the world of car racing in the 1960s and 1970s.

In the 1980s, Mercedes-Benz expanded further, acquiring sports car manufacturer AMG and launching its first luxury car model, the S-Class. In the 1990s, the company focused on vehicle safety and introduced advanced technologies such as ESP (Electronic Stability Program) and the side airbag system.

In 1998, Mercedes-Benz joined forces with Chrysler Corporation to form DaimlerChrysler AG. However, the merger did not last long, and the two companies separated in 2007. In 2010, Mercedes-Benz announced its partnership with the Renault-Nissan Alliance for the development of new technologies and engines.

Today, Mercedes-Benz continues to produce luxury and commercial vehicles, as well as electric and hybrid vehicles. The company is known for its technological innovations, such as driver assistance systems and Car-to-X communication technology. Mercedes-Benz continues to compete in the world of car racing, including Formula E and Formula 1. The history of Mercedes is a testament to its commitment to excellence and innovation in the automotive industry.