Mercedes-Benz: The Power Of History

In January 1886, Karl Benz, a German engine designer, fired up and patented the Benz Patent-Motorwagen, a vehicle that automotive history generally perceives as the first motor car of the modern era. It ran on a rather volatile petroleum spirit. This new enterprise was combined with Gottlieb Daimler and another engineer, Wilhelm Maybach’s version of a stagecoach with of a petrol engine later that year.

Mercedes – UK Beginnings

It is of interest that Daimler himself liked the UK very much but was constrained by the 1865 Locomotive Act, also known as the Red Flag Act, which required that “any self-propelled vehicle should be accompanied by a man carrying a red flag walking at least 50 yards ahead of each vehicle to warn other road users of its approach”.

Eventually that act was slowly dropped and around the middle of 1895 the first car with a Daimler engine was shipped to England. It had been ordered by the motoring enthusiast Evelyn Ellis, who undertook a 56 mile test drive, a journey that evidently aroused a great deal of excited interest and the brand name we know today was truly born.

Mercedes Technology Today

So it can be argued that the forefathers of the Mercedes-Benz brand were the true automotive innovators. That remains true also for the company today. As pioneers of the ‘automobile’, they announce continual innovations which provide for pleasant, safe and resource-friendly mobility, day in, day out. In addition, they demonstrate mobility concepts, electric-mobility and digital networking for the future, including connected and autonomous cars. To date the company has lodged some 80,000 patents.

The Latest Innovations

With every new model comes new technology. For example, in the interest of safety, a camera in the overhead centre console can monitor the movement of a drivers arms and hands. The system also includes gesture control and can help with the safe use of touchscreen controls, we learn.

Although with prestige cars the suspension is more sophisticated than many budget models all cars have until recently suffered to some degree body roll in corners or other handling issues. Now Mercedes-Benz is incorporating E-Active Body Control a feature that works in combination with the air suspension to counteract body roll, pitch and squat. The spring and damping forces can be individually controlled at each wheel, making for much smoother and more luxurious progress, especially on twisting roads. Further, although the company has long featured 4Matic all-wheel drive, the latest version can vary torque distribution between the front and rear axle from 0 to 100%. This too aids handling and traction especially in adverse conditions. Of course, all this technology makes the vehicles very complex which means that car servicing should always be undertaken by skilled and trained garage technicians.

The Future’s Electric

The latest twin-turbocharged V8 in, say, the GLE 580 and GLS 580 features a 48V on-board electrical system coupled with an integrated starter motor. This increases the performance and efficiency while eliminating the need for a belt drive for ancillary components.

By constantly updating technology year on year Mercedes-Benz are able to provide the motoring experience buyers have come to expect plus total compliance with the latest regulations in Europe and globally. Despite all this futuristic science, cars continue to needing maintaining and fortunately owners can now elect to have a Mercedes-Benz service by independent garage services.

German Autocentre – Independent Mercedes Specialist

For Mercedes owners, it has to be worth protecting these fine vehicles with a proper car maintenance schedule. Why not consult your local specialist car servicing garage that specialises in German brands? Call German Autocentre on 0114 327 2027

German Autocentre carry out all aspects of repair and maintenance of Mercedes cars. German Autocentre provide all services including MOT, servicing, cambelt change, timing chain replacement, clutch replacement, servicing, tyres and diagnostics.