What Companies Does Mercedes Own?

The Mercedes-Benz Group AG, formerly known as Daimler-Benz, DaimlerChrysler, and Daimler, is a German multinational automotive corporation headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany. It is one of the world’s leading car manufacturers. Mercedes-Benz Group owns several companies and subsidiaries, including:

• Mercedes-Benz
• Mercedes-EQ
• Mercedes-Maybach
• Mercedes-AMG
• Smart
• Denza (10% ownership)
• Beijing Benz (49% ownership)
• Fujian Benz (34% ownership)
• Mercedes-Benz India
• Daimler Truck (30.01% ownership)
• Mercedes-Benz Cars Middle East
• Mercedes-Benz Mexico
• Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team (33.3% ownership)
• Engine Holding
• Mercedes-Benz Mobility
• Mercedes-Benz Bank
• Mercedes-Benz Financial

Key Takeaways:

• Mercedes-Benz Group AG owns several companies and subsidiaries.
• Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-EQ, Mercedes-Maybach, and Mercedes-AMG are among the brands owned by Mercedes-Benz Group.
• Other subsidiaries include Smart, Denza, Beijing Benz, Fujian Benz, and Mercedes-Benz India.
• Daimler Truck, Engine Holding, Mercedes-Benz Mobility, Mercedes-Benz Bank, and Mercedes-Benz Financial are also owned by Mercedes-Benz Group.
• Mercedes-Benz Group also has ownership in the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team.

History of Mercedes-Benz

The history of Mercedes-Benz is deeply rooted in the automotive industry. It all began in 1926 when Daimler-Benz was formed through the merger of two prominent German companies, Benz & Cie. and Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft. This merger brought together their expertise and laid the foundation for the iconic brand we know today.

Throughout the years, Mercedes-Benz went through various name changes, reflecting the company’s growth and evolution. It was known as DaimlerChrysler and later as Daimler AG. In 2022, the company adopted the name Mercedes-Benz Group, further solidifying its identity as a global leader in the automotive sector.

As one of the oldest car brands in the world, dating back to 1900, Mercedes-Benz has a rich history of innovation and excellence. From pioneering safety features to revolutionary design concepts, the brand has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in the automotive industry.

The Evolution of the Mercedes-Benz Logo

One iconic element of Mercedes-Benz’s history is its logo. The emblematic three-pointed star represents the brand’s commitment to quality, luxury, and performance. Over the years, the logo has undergone subtle changes to reflect the brand’s evolution, but its essence has remained intact.

Here is a brief overview of the evolution of the Mercedes-Benz logo:

Year	Logo	Description
1902	Save	The original logo featured a simple ring with the word “Mercedes” in the center.
1909	Save	The logo was enhanced with the addition of a laurel wreath, symbolizing victory and success.
1926	Save	The three-pointed star, representing Mercedes-Benz’s dominance on land, sea, and air, was introduced.
2003	Save	A sleeker and more modern version of the logo was introduced, maintaining the iconic three-pointed star.

Through its rich history and iconic logo, Mercedes-Benz has become synonymous with luxury, craftsmanship, and innovation. As the brand continues to evolve and shape the future of mobility, its legacy of excellence remains at the core of everything it does.

Other Car Brands Owned by Major Companies

Aside from Mercedes-Benz, many other major car brands are owned by large corporations. These conglomerates have expanded their portfolios and diversified their offerings by acquiring and establishing subsidiaries in the automotive industry. Here are some examples of car brands and their parent companies:

BMW Group

BWM Group owns several well-known car brands, including BMW itself, as well as Mini and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Each brand brings a unique identity and caters to different market segments, allowing the BMW Group to target a diverse range of customers.

Volkswagen Group

The Volkswagen Group is another major player in the automotive industry, with a wide range of subsidiaries. Under the Volkswagen Group umbrella, you’ll find popular brands like Audi, Scania, Porsche, Skoda Auto, Lamborghini, and Ducati. This diverse portfolio showcases the group’s focus on delivering luxury, performance, and innovation across various segments.

Daimler AG

Daimler AG, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz, not only owns the renowned luxury brand but also encompasses several other subsidiaries. These include Smart, Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles, Fuso, Western Star, Freightliner, Bharat Benz, Setra, and Thomas Built. This extensive range of brands demonstrates Daimler AG’s presence in both the luxury and commercial vehicle markets.

General Motors

General Motors (GM) is a global automotive company with a strong presence in the American market. GM owns various well-established car brands, such as Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC. This diverse lineup allows GM to cater to different customer preferences and market segments, ensuring a broad reach across the industry.

Hyundai Motor Company

Hyundai Motor Company is a South Korean automotive giant that not only owns its eponymous brand but also controls Kia Motors. With Hyundai and Kia, the company has a wide range of vehicles to offer, including sedans, SUVs, and electric vehicles. This dual-brand approach allows Hyundai Motor Company to reach a diverse customer base with different needs and preferences.

Toyota Motor Corporation

Toyota Motor Corporation is a Japanese automotive manufacturer that owns the Toyota brand and is known for its commitment to quality, reliability, and innovation. Additionally, Toyota Motor Corporation also owns the luxury brand Lexus, which caters to customers seeking a higher level of luxury and performance in their vehicles.

Honda Motor Company

Honda Motor Company is another prominent Japanese automaker that owns the Honda brand, known for its reliability and efficiency. In addition to Honda vehicles, the company also owns and produces Acura, a luxury brand that offers upscale performance and features for discerning customers.

Luxury Car Brands Owned by Larger Corporations

In the luxury car segment, many beloved brands are owned by larger corporations, highlighting the strategic partnerships and investments made within the industry. Some notable examples include Ferrari and Maserati, which are part of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) group. Alfa Romeo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Volvo, and Polestar are also owned by larger corporations, showcasing the intricate web of ownership and collaboration within the luxury car market.

Parent Company	Owned Car Brands
BMW Group	BMW, Mini, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
Volkswagen Group	Audi, Scania, Porsche, Skoda Auto, Lamborghini, Ducati
Daimler AG	Smart, Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles, Fuso, Western Star, Freightliner, Bharat Benz, Setra, Thomas Built
General Motors	Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Opel, and more
Hyundai Motor Company	Hyundai, Kia
Toyota Motor Corporation	Toyota, Lexus
Honda Motor Company	Honda, Acura
Luxury Car Brands	Ferrari, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Volvo, Polestar

Understanding the Industry Landscape

In the globalized automotive industry, it is common for car brands to be owned by larger corporations. This intricate web of ownership provides a deeper insight into the industry, revealing the strategic partnerships and acquisitions that shape it.

Car brand ownership is not limited to individual companies. Instead, multinational corporations and luxury conglomerate companies play a significant role. These entities acquire and manage multiple car brands, leveraging their resources and expertise to drive innovation and growth.

This landscape showcases the interconnected nature of the automotive industry. As a result, a car brand’s history and future plans can be influenced by its parent company’s broader vision. By understanding the ownership structure, enthusiasts and consumers gain a comprehensive view of a brand’s heritage and potential.