1885 Gottlieb Daimler applied for a patent for his internal combustion engine with vertical cylinder. 1900 Emil Jellinek and Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft agreed a contract on the sale of Daimler automobiles and engines. 1935 In the 1935 season Mercedes-Benz formula racing cars from the W 25 series notched up many triumphs. 1975 Daimler-Benz presented an experimental bus for combined battery / trolley operation in Esslingen.

Quite a few cars from Mercedes-Benz are modern classics right from the beginning. Every model of the SL series is one: the series was established in 1954 by the 190 SL, which the company explicitly described as a touring sports car. At the same time the 300 SL Gullwing was presented, which can be put in the super sports car category. The fourth SL generation was the R 129 series built from 1989 to 2001, which set standards with its design and its many innovations.

When Mercedes-Benz introduced the C 111-II at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1970 it was the stuff of dreams: breathtaking body design, innovative materials and pioneering technology – not to mention top-level performance.

1895 The world’s first motorised bus of Benz & Cie. went into scheduled service. 1900: Several new Daimler-built 23 hp “Phoenix” racing cars took part in Nice Race Week. Emil Jellinek entered two vehicles. 1910 Barney Oldfield set a new world record at Daytona Beach, Florida, US, driving the 200 hp Benz. 1970 The revised Mercedes-Benz C 111 experimental vehicle was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show. 1990 The Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16 Evo II had its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show. 1995 The Vario Research Car (VRC) with variable body concept was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show.

From its 1995 launch the Sprinter already was in a class of its own: semi-forward control, high-traction rear-wheel drive, timelessly modern looks, spacious cab, an extensive engine range rounded off by a direct-injection diesel unit which was as powerful as it was economical. And it was the company's first commercial vehicle to be known by a name instead of an abbreviation or combination of numbers.