I’ll help you create a blog post about the ownership of Mercedes-Benz. I’ll first do a web search to gather accurate information. Based on the search results, I’ll create the blog post about Mercedes-Benz ownership:
The automotive world has long been fascinated by the prestigious Mercedes-Benz brand, a symbol of luxury, engineering excellence, and innovation. Mercedes-Benz is currently owned by Mercedes-Benz Group AG (formerly Daimler AG), a prominent German automotive corporation with a rich history of automotive manufacturing. Understanding the ownership and evolution of this iconic brand reveals a fascinating journey of technological innovation and strategic transformation.
Historical Roots of Mercedes-Benz
The story of Mercedes-Benz begins with two pioneering German engineers: Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler. In 1901, Karl Benz created the first Mercedes-Benz car, the Benz Patent Motorwagen, which was the first gasoline-powered vehicle available to the public. Interestingly, the name “Mercedes” was trademarked in 1902 by Austrian automobile entrepreneur Emil Jellinek, who named the brand after his daughter, Mercedes Jellinek.
Corporate Evolution and Ownership Structure
The ownership of Mercedes-Benz has undergone significant transformations over the decades. In 1926, Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler merged their companies, creating the foundation for what would become today’s Mercedes-Benz. The company went through several iterations, including:
- 1926: Merger of Benz and Daimler companies
- 1998: Formation of DaimlerChrysler after merging with Chrysler
- 2007: Renamed to Daimler AG
- 2022: Rebranded as Mercedes-Benz Group AG
Current Ownership Landscape
As of February 2026, the ownership of Mercedes-Benz is quite diverse. The company has several significant shareholders:
- BAIC Group: Holds 9.98% of voting rights, making it the largest individual shareholder
- Li Shufu (Chinese investor): Owns 9.69% equity through Tenaciou3 Prospect Investment Limited
- Kuwait Investment Authority: A long-standing shareholder (since 1974)
Global Presence and Manufacturing
Mercedes-Benz continues to maintain strong German roots, with its headquarters located in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg. While Germany remains the primary manufacturing base, the company has expanded its production globally. Today, Mercedes-Benz produces vehicles across nearly 100 locations in 17 different countries, including production facilities in South Africa, Brazil, Vietnam, and the United States.
Leadership and Corporate Structure
The company is currently led by Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management. The corporate structure now includes three primary entities:
- Mercedes-Benz AG: Focusing on cars and vans
- Daimler Truck AG: Handling truck and bus business
- Daimler Mobility AG: Providing mobility services
🚗 Note: The company's strategic transformation aims to ensure competitiveness in the rapidly evolving automotive and mobility landscape.
Is Mercedes-Benz still a German company?
+Yes, Mercedes-Benz remains a German company with its headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany. The majority of its core operations and primary manufacturing are still based in Germany.
Who are the major shareholders of Mercedes-Benz?
+The major shareholders include BAIC Group (9.98%), Li Shufu (9.69%), and the Kuwait Investment Authority. The company has a diverse, international shareholder base.
When did Mercedes-Benz change its name from Daimler AG?
+In February 2022, Daimler AG was officially renamed to Mercedes-Benz Group AG, reflecting the global recognition of the Mercedes-Benz brand.
The story of Mercedes-Benz is far more than just a tale of car ownership. It’s a narrative of innovation, global expansion, and continuous adaptation to the changing landscape of mobility and technology.
