MERCEDES-BENZ LEADING THROUGH INNOVATION

1886. The first car In 1886, Carl Benz is awarded German patent number for a three-wheeled, self-propelled "Motorwagen". With a rear-mounted single-cylinder engine, the first automobile forever changes the way people move, and sparks a legacy of innovation that continues to this day.

wheel independent suspension The Mercedes 170 features the first-ever fully independent suspension, which allows each wheel to respond individually. Along with a new hydraulic braking system, the 170 sets new performance and safety benchmarks that remain the gold standard today.

1958. Crash testing program For the first time, development of every new Mercedes includes an increasingly rigorous regimen of crash-testing. This vital learning tool was initially performed outdoors.

1978. Antilock Braking System (ABS) A concept first unveiled in 1970, ABS helps the driver retain steering control under heavy braking by preventing wheel lockup. It remains both a milestone in automotive safety and a cornerstone, with the ability to individually brake wheels serving as a fundamental element of countless future breakthroughs. Brakes that accelerated progress. "Single-wheel braking can also generate corrective rotation of a car about its vertical axis. This fundamental ABS benefit has since been put to use in innovations from electronic traction control and stability control to Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist."

2002. PRE-SAFE A groundbreaking system that can help prepare the occupants for an accident before it happens, PRE-SAFE can detect that certain types of collision might be imminent. In the precious moments before impact, it can snug the front seat belts and adjust the front head restraints to help optimize the effectiveness of the restraint systems.

2010. ATTENTION ASSIST After measuring over 70 parameters in the first few minutes of a drive, this innovation can help detect signs of drowsiness and audibly alert the driver to take a break.

Today, Tomorrow, the Future