The journey that changed everything.

The decision by Bertha Benz to draw public attention to the invention of her husband Carl by undertaking the first long-distance car journey to Pforzheim covering nearly 100 kilometres now lies more than 135 years in the past. Nonetheless her courageous act is more topical than ever, as visions, determination and belief in oneself still remain important success factors in today's mobile world. Which makes Bertha Benz the best role model for present-day pioneers in all areas of life.

"She was more daring than I," Carl Benz said about his wife. As the inventor of the automobile, he revolutionised the mobility of the 19th Century. This success that changed the world would have been barely conceivable without Bertha Benz, her indomitable optimism and her ability to find a way out of difficult situations. When the public were still sceptical about the new horseless carriage that was moved by "mysterious" forces, she took a snap decision and embarked on a then rather difficult journey to Pforzheim with her two sons Eugen and Richard. Also on board was a firm belief in her husband's invention and in herself.

Mercedes-Benz recounts its historic long-distance journey in a feature film, encouraging people all over the world to make their visions come true with courage and self-confidence. The film "Bertha Benz: the journey that changed everything" is dedicated to all women and men as inspiration for International Women's Day on 8 March. With the film, the company wants to motivate people to go through life in a similarly positive, hands-on way and to tackle challenges with confidence.

This story is emotively recounted by Mercedes-Benz in a four-minute film – in which the legendary first filling station in the world also plays a part.