Mercedes-Benz: embracing a new era

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【Summary】Mercedes-Benz's heritage boss, Marcus Breitschwerdt, emphasizes that their heritage is not just tied to the combustion engine, but to producing breakthrough technologies at the highest quality. He discusses the importance of knowing where they come from and their role in automotive mobility. Breitschwerdt also explains why the company decided to sell the 'Uhlenhaut' coupe and how they are supporting young people in the decarbonization field.

FutureCar Staff Nov 27, 2023 5:17 AM PT

Mercedes-Benz, known for its long-standing history in the automotive industry, is emphasizing that its heritage is not solely tied to the combustion engine. According to Marcus Breitschwerdt, Mercedes' heritage boss, the company's focus has always been on producing breakthrough technologies at the highest quality to meet the needs of people. He believes that it is crucial to understand one's roots and where they come from in order to secure a successful future.

One example of Mercedes' commitment to its history is the recent sale of the 300 SLR 'Uhlenhaut' coupe. This move was seen as extraordinary, as it involved a big corporation like Mercedes-Benz contributing to society in a way that is not directly linked to its business activities. The proceeds from the sale were used to create the Mercedes-Benz Fund, which supports young people in projects and research related to decarbonization in the automotive sector.

While Mercedes-Benz has a historic collection of iconic vehicles, the company does not prioritize selling them to potential buyers. However, in the case of the 'Uhlenhaut' coupe, it was deemed a good opportunity to generate a significant amount of money for charity. Breitschwerdt also mentioned the importance of the 1904 Mercedes Simplex, which was one of the first modern cars and set the foundation for future car designs.

When asked about the challenges in the automotive sector, Breitschwerdt acknowledged the need to find compromises between different aspects of car design, such as safety and fuel consumption. He expressed admiration for the engineers who constantly strive to improve the industry and mentioned that Mercedes-Benz is always seeking the best solutions and breakthrough technologies, rather than being tied to a specific technology like the combustion engine.

Overall, Mercedes-Benz's commitment to its heritage and pursuit of innovation positions the company for a successful future in the ever-evolving automotive industry.